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Acts 14:21-28
The Message
Acts 14:21-28
The Message
Plenty of Hard Times
21-22 After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra, then Iconium, and then Antioch, putting grit in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn’t be easy: “Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times.”
23-26 Paul and Barnabas handpicked leaders in each church. After praying—their prayers intensified by fasting—they presented these new leaders to the Master to whom they had entrusted their lives. Working their way back through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia and preached in Perga. Finally, they made it to Attalia and caught a ship back to Antioch, where it had all started—launched by God’s grace and now safely home by God’s grace. A good piece of work.
27-28 On arrival, they got the church together and reported on their trip, telling in detail how God had used them to throw the door of faith wide open so people of all nations could come streaming in. Then they settled down for a long, leisurely visit with the disciples.
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Acts 14:21-27
New International Version
Acts 14:21-27
New International Version
The Return to Antioch in Syria
21 They preached the gospel(A) in that city and won a large number(B) of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium(C) and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.(D) “We must go through many hardships(E) to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a](F) for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,(G) committed them to the Lord,(H) in whom they had put their trust. 24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,(I) 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch,(J) where they had been committed to the grace of God(K) for the work they had now completed.(L) 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them(M) and how he had opened a door(N) of faith to the Gentiles.
Footnotes
- Acts 14:23 Or Barnabas ordained elders; or Barnabas had elders elected
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