Summary of the first missionary journey

(1) Paul’s pattern for evangelism was established. (a) He would visit large cities and go to the local synagogue. (b) He spoke to both Jews and religious Gentiles (proselytes and God-fearing Gentiles). (c) Those who believed became the base for spreading the gospel widely among the Gentiles. (2) God was with them and performed His works. Paul and Barnabas were instruments used by God, but the primary agent of evangelism was always God. The promise of Jesus was being fulfilled: “teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). (3) The importance of discipleship following evangelism was recognized. Paul and Barnabas, knowing the risks, revisited the cities where churches had been established. They taught doctrine to the new believers and encouraged those facing persecution. (4) The organization of the church was established. The structure of the church was modeled after the Jewish synagogue. Multiple elders were appointed as spiritual leaders to guide the local churches. A pastor is one of the elders. (5) The salvation of the Gentiles was recognized as a universal truth. It became clear that Gentiles were saved by grace through faith alone. This truth was demonstrated in every city Paul and Barnabas visited. As a result, faith in Jesus as Lord began to spread rapidly throughout the Gentile world. However, this also set the stage for future conflicts with legalistic Jewish believers. (6) The meaning of trials was explained. “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.’” The “kingdom of God” refers to the Messianic kingdom that will be established on earth. Until the fulfillment of this kingdom, many believers will go through suffering, as the ruler of this world opposes both God and those who believe in Him (John 16:33). The experience of suffering is part of the Christian life, and Paul himself experienced this truth firsthand. (7) God prepares blessings for His servants so that they do not fall into despair. The persecution in Lystra and the blessing in Derbe show that God’s protective hand is always present. Furthermore, the fact that Timothy was among those saved in Lystra serves as further evidence of God’s blessing.