Returning to Antioch

Acts 14:24–28 (NASB95)  

24They passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia. 25When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished. 27When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28And they spent a long time with the disciples. 

In this segment of our reflection, we see Paul and Barnabas concluding their remarkable missionary journey by returning to Syrian Antioch—a pivotal center of early Christian life. Their route had taken them across the regions of Pamphylia and Pisidia, reaching the bustling, strategically significant port of Attalia, where a high-status Roman presence underscored the area's importance. This homecoming was not merely a physical return but a powerful declaration of the work God had accomplished among both Jewish and Gentile believers. By reporting God’s mighty works to the Antioch church—a community with deep ties to the heritage of the Jerusalem church—Paul and Barnabas affirmed that the mission was continuously linked to the rich legacy of Israel’s biblical promises while embracing a dynamic, multicultural expression of faith. 

Today, as we engage in missions and community building, we are reminded of the importance of staying connected to our foundational roots while reaching out to new territories. Like the early church in Antioch, our strength lies in the unity between our shared heritage and the diverse communities we serve. When we return to our “home base” to share testimonies of God’s transformative work, we reinforce a network of encouragement and accountability that is vital for enduring ministry. In a world where cultural and social divisions often create barriers, let our churches become sanctuaries of unity and renewal—places where every story of God’s grace is celebrated and where the legacy of the past inspires us to boldly embrace the mission for the future.