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03 Acts 14 21-28 RETURN TO THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH, SYRIA 01 Acts 14 21-22 The substance of ministry
📖 Acts 14:21-28
3/01 – Sat, 20th Dec 2025 – *The substance of ministry*- _Acts 14:21-28_ – RETURN TO THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH, SYRIA – _Acts 02:41-42_
We now begin the third and final series of studies of _Chapter 14_. We have titled this study 'Return to Antioch, Syria.'
You can explore Paul’s First Missionary Journey in detail, complete with maps and descriptions, at Conforming to Jesus – Paul’s First Missionary Journey Map. https://www.conformingtojesus.com/charts-maps/en/paul's_first_journey_map.htm
_Acts 14:21-22 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, (22) strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."_
As we take a step back and look at Paul’s ministry, we see that his ministry in this region of Asia Minor was his first and initial building block. _Acts 15:36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing."_
This is where the Lord taught him the early lessons of walking with Him. Much of this journey and ministry was with immense suffering and persecution. _Acts 14:19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead._
Timothy was one of the fruits of the ministry of this region. _Acts 16:1-3 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. (2) He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. (3) Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek._
Writing to Timothy, Paul reminisces about the ministry in this region. _II Timothy 3:10-11 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, (11) persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me._
Out of the ministry in this region came the crucial lesson for all believers in Christ. _II Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution._
Paul and Barnabas came to Derbe, and there were two activities that took place here. *They preached the Gospel, and they made many disciples.*
There needs to be a proclamation of the Gospel for people to call on the Lord and be saved. _Romans 10:13-15 For "WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." (14) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!"_
*The Gospel that is proclaimed is not a religion but Jesus.* _Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, *separated to the gospel of God* (2) which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, (3) *concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord*, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, (4) and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead._
This *proclamation of the Gospel is both by words and by life*. _I Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake._
Proclamation, both by word and life, is followed by disciple-making. _Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,_
*Disciple-making requires the baptism of believers.* _Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them._
*Baptism consists of three parts – identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.* _Romans 6:3-4 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life._
*Baptism, therefore, includes teaching the new believers.* _Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen._
Disciples need to be built up in Christ. _Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers._
Disciples of Christ are those who share the Gospel with others and raise many more to be disciples. _II Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also._
Proclamation as well as disciple making took place in Derbe as it did in other places.