²⁶ From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work^[a] that they had completed.^(A)

⁴⁰ But Paul chose Silas and set out, the brothers and sisters commending him to the grace of the Lord.

The Church in Antioch

¹⁹ Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews.^(A)

¹⁷ And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.”^(A)

²⁸ It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.^[a](A)

²⁵ I became its minister according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,^(A)

The Postponement of Paul’s Visit

¹² Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with holiness^[a] and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God—and all the more toward you.^(A)

¹⁹ by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit,^[a] so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.^(A)

Barnabas and Saul Commissioned

13 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a childhood friend of Herod the ruler,^[a] and Saul.^{(A) 2} While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”^{(B) 3} Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.^(C)

²⁶ and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”^(A)