Complete: Under the care of God
We can see a pattern of people humbling presenting themselves for service and asking God to send them out to make disciples. It starts with the prayer and worship of the Church and then follows with the obedience of those sent out to preach and minister His grace. Persecution seeks to interfere with the process but only serves to strengthen it. The process continues with new leaders being appointed and the cycle repeating. The Church is meant to grow and keep growing under this pattern, but always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. How is our part of the Church growing, are we following the patter and the Holy Spirit?
Scripture
Acts 14:24-28 ESV Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. [25] And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, [26] and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. [27] And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. [28] And they remained no little time with the disciples.
Through the Scripture
Commit to passing through with purpose
Is the world our home or are we just passing through? If we’re passing through, is our passage purposeful? Paul and Barnabus may have been said to have “passed through” Pisidia, but we gather from the way the did this in Cyprus that it wasn’t just idle travel. They were working their way through preaching the Gospel as they went. Do we have this attitude of working our way through this temporary way, doing eternal work?
Acts 14:24 ESV Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.
2 Corinthians 5:1-2 ESV For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [2] For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,
Acts 13:6 ESV When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
Follow the pattern prepare to change plans
The Church started in Jerusalem, God sent people from there to Antioch where a thriving Gentile Church was established by the Lord Jesus through His disciples. The Paul and Barnabus went out from another Antioch (in Pisidia) and established churches from there travelling from place to place and then backtracking to establish sustainable leadership in each of them. While you can see a pattern that has been followed repeatedly, there’s also a difference. They did not revisit Cyprus in the same way as Lystra, Iconium and Antioch. We must always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit even after He’s taught and demonstrated the patterns and principles of ministry.
Acts 14:25-26a ESV And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, and from there they sailed to Antioch,
Acts 14:21-22 ESV When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, [22] strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 13:4 ESV So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Proverbs 16:9 ESV The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Protected and provided for after preparing in prayer and fasting
Paul and Barnabus had travelled almost 2000Kms and were saved from many plans to hurt and even kill them. An attempt was made on Paul’s life but he rose up from the attempted execution. They faced evil sorcerers, rejection and temptation and the everyday needs of travelling ministry for more than a year, perhaps closer to two. God kept them through all of that from the day the Church prayed fasted and sent them off under God’s care.
Acts 14:26b ESV where they had been commended to the grace of God
Acts 13:2-3 ESV 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.” [3] Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Persevere in the Grace of God
It’s by God’s Grace that we have work to do, by His grace that we can do it, and by His Grace that we can complete it. The Apostles had planted churches with elders in at least three locations, seen evil enemies struck blind, a faithful cripple leap to his feet and countless disciples grab hold of the grace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They had finished the work that God had prepared for their first missionary journey but there would be more, Christians don’t retire, we only finish all of God’s work when we return to Him.
Acts 14:26b ESV for the work that they had fulfilled.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Acts 20:24 ESV But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Pronouncing the Grace of God
Paul and Barnabus didn’t just invest a year or two of their lives planting churches and keep their experiences to themselves. They shared everything that had happened to them and through them. This declaration was not to feel good or get recognition, we know that because they didn’t declare what they had done, rather they declared what God had done with them. Declaring what God has done with us glorifies Him and encourages and inspires other believers to take up the work that God has create for each of us. Are you sharing what God has done with you, have others shared what He has done with them, how have you responded?
Acts 14:27a ESV And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them,
Psalms 66:1-5 ESV Shout for joy to God, all the earth; [2] sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! [3] Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. [4] All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah [5] Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
Passing through but our purpose is permanent
Our Lord Jesus Christ opened a door for people to repent and come to know God through faith in Jesus Christ. He did this through Paul and Barnabus. It wasn’t through their strength or wisdom that these people were saved, but it did take their obedience and faithful perseverance to take the message to them. God is able to do wonderful things through us, not because we’re especially gifted, but because of His power, wisdom and loving grace.
Acts 14:27b ESV and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
Revelation 3:8 ESV “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Participate in peace
After all their work and sharing God’s glory, the Apostles stayed with the church in Antioch. This would have given them rest and recovery, strength from the encouragement of others, joy of fellowship and strengthening of faith as they strengthen the faith of others. Staying in community with disciples is a blessing and it’s critical, but we also need to go out. The Apostles stayed with the disciples after they finished their mission. How should we go out, and come back in, and stay, in the context of our church?
Acts 14:28 ESV And they remained no little time with the disciples.
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Matthew 28:18-20 ESV And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Devotions for the week to come
Here are seven 15-minute devotions for Monday to Sunday, each based on a verse from Acts 14:24-28, Jesus-centred, and including Life Application and Prayer Points.
Monday: Our Purposeful Passage
Scripture Focus: Acts 14:24 "Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia."
Jesus-Centred Reflection: Paul and Barnabas were described as "passing through" Pisidia, yet their journey was far from idle travel; it was filled with purpose, preaching the Gospel as they went. This resonates deeply with the Christian understanding of life on Earth. Just as Paul likened our earthly bodies to temporary tents, we are reminded that this world is not our permanent home. We are merely passing through. Jesus Himself exemplified a life of purposeful passage. He came to Earth with a clear mission: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). His life, though brief by human standards, had eternal implications, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection to open the way to God for all who believe. Our existence, though temporary, is infused with divine purpose. We are not here to build lasting empires in a temporary dwelling, but to live with an eternal perspective, doing God's work. As it is written in Hebrews 13:14, "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." Our citizenship is in heaven, and we await a heavenly dwelling (Philippians 3:20).
Life Application: Consider your daily activities. Do they reflect an awareness that you are "passing through" with a permanent, eternal purpose? Are you investing in what truly lasts, or getting caught up in fleeting worldly achievements and possessions? Paul and Barnabas made the best use of their time, knowing their mission was urgent. Take time to reflect on your purpose. What eternal work has God called you to do today, in your temporary dwelling?
Prayer Points:
Pray for a deeper understanding and acceptance of our temporary dwelling here on Earth, freeing us from the desire to build our kingdom here.
Ask God to reveal and align your daily activities with His eternal purpose for your life.
Pray for the grace to make the best use of your time, seizing opportunities to share the Gospel and build up His Kingdom, just as Paul and Barnabas did.
Tuesday: Divine Patterns and Changing Plans
Scripture Focus: Acts 14:24 (implied in their journey's dynamic nature) "Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia."
Jesus-Centred Reflection: The journey of Paul and Barnabas demonstrates a fascinating interplay between divine patterns and adaptive planning. They followed a clear pattern of ministry—preaching, making disciples, and establishing churches—yet their route home differed from their outward journey, skipping Cyprus. This highlights a crucial principle: while we should seek and follow God's established patterns and principles of ministry found in Scripture, we must remain open to the Holy Spirit's unique guidance, even when it means changing our initial plans. Jesus perfectly embodied this balance. He lived by divine patterns, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating God's character, yet His path was often unpredictable, challenging human expectations. He consistently submitted to His Father's will, even when it led Him to the cross, a plan that seemed "pear-shaped" from a human perspective but was God's perfect design (Philippians 2:8). As Proverbs 16:9 states, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." We must cultivate a close relationship with God to discern His specific, often unique, direction for us, even when it deviates from what we anticipate.
Life Application: Are you rigid in your expectations of how God should work in your life, or are you flexible and prepared for Him to change your plans? Reflect on areas where you might be clinging to a preferred "pattern" that God might be inviting you to adjust. Cultivate a listening ear to the Holy Spirit's leading, even if it feels counter-intuitive or uncomfortable.
Prayer Points:
Pray for discernment to recognise and follow God's patterns revealed in Scripture.
Ask for a heart open and willing to accept changes to your plans, trusting in God's unique and perfect design for your life.
Pray for the strength and peace that comes from knowing God is establishing your steps, even when the path changes unexpectedly.
Wednesday: Preparing Through Prayer and Fasting
Scripture Focus: Acts 14:26 (part 1) "...where they had been commended to the grace of God..."
Jesus-Centred Reflection: Paul and Barnabas were "commended to the grace of God" for their work, a commendation that originated from a profound act of prayer and fasting by the Church in Antioch. This foundational moment underscores the critical importance of spiritual preparation before embarking on God's mission. Their arduous 2,000 km journey, filled with persecution, danger, and daily needs, was undertaken under God's care because of this initial act of communal seeking. Jesus Himself modelled this essential practice. Before beginning His public ministry, He spent forty days fasting and praying in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He also frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). This was not merely a ritual but a deep reliance on the Father for strength, guidance, and protection for the work He was about to undertake. "But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:6). When we prepare our hearts and ministries through prayer and fasting, we invite God's divine protection and provision.
Life Application: Do you "rush into things" or undertake significant commitments without first laying them before God in prayer and fasting, and seeking the prayers of others? Before starting a new venture, ministry, or even tackling a personal challenge, intentionally set aside time for prayer and, if led, fasting. Involve your faith community in praying for you, just as the early church supported Paul and Barnabas.
Prayer Points:
Pray for a deeper commitment to prayer and fasting in your own life, seeking God's guidance and power.
Ask for God's protection and provision over any work or ministry you are undertaking, trusting Him to sustain you.
Pray for your church and its leadership, asking that they, and you, would be committed to communal prayer and fasting for growth and for the sending out of workers.
Thursday: Persevering in God's Grace
Scripture Focus: Acts 14:26 (part 2) "...for the work that they had fulfilled."
Jesus-Centred Reflection: Upon returning to Antioch, Paul and Barnabas had the immense satisfaction of having "fulfilled" the work they were sent to do. They had planted churches, seen enemies struck blind, a cripple healed, and countless disciples come to faith. This moment of completion, however, was not the end of their service; it was the completion of one phase of their mission. The source reminds us that "Christians don’t retire, we only finish all of God’s work when we return to Him". Paul himself later expressed this profound commitment: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). Jesus, our ultimate example, persevered to complete the work His Father gave Him. His ministry was demanding, ending in the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, yet He declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30), having perfectly fulfilled His mission. We are "his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). Our ability to persevere and complete these works comes solely by His grace.
Life Application: Celebrate the completion of tasks and projects, but remember that your journey of service is ongoing. How can you develop a mindset of joyful perseverance in the work God has given you, even when it feels challenging or you feel "done"? Identify a current "work" or ministry in your life and commit to seeing it through by God's grace.
Prayer Points:
Pray for the grace to persevere in all the good works God has prepared for you, no matter the obstacles.
Ask for fresh vision and energy to embrace "what's next" in your service to God, even after significant accomplishments.
Thank God for equipping you with His grace to fulfil your purpose and for the satisfaction of completing tasks for His glory.
Friday: Pronouncing God's Grace
Scripture Focus: Acts 14:27 (part 1) "And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them..."
Jesus-Centred Reflection: Upon their return, Paul and Barnabas didn't merely report on their trip; they "declared all that God had done with them". Crucially, they did not declare what they had done, but what God had accomplished through them. This act of public declaration was not for self-recognition but for God's glory, and it served to encourage and inspire other believers. It reminded the church of God's faithfulness and power. Jesus constantly pointed to His Father as the source of His power and authority. He said, "The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works" (John 14:10). His miracles, teachings, and very life were a declaration of what God was doing in the world. Just as Psalm 66:5 proclaims, "Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man". Our testimonies glorify God and strengthen the body of Christ.
Life Application: Are you regularly sharing what God has done in your life with others, in a way that points to His grace and not your own efforts? Consider how your personal story of God's work in you can encourage and inspire those around you. Seek opportunities within your faith community to share your testimony, giving God all the glory.
Prayer Points:
Pray for the courage and humility to declare what God has done with you, rather than focusing on your own accomplishments.
Ask for a heart that always glorifies God in your words and actions, encouraging other believers.
Pray for your church to be a place where testimonies of God's grace are regularly shared, strengthening faith and inspiring action.
Saturday: Permanent Purpose in Passing Through
Scripture Focus: Acts 14:27 (part 2) "...and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles."
Jesus-Centred Reflection: Paul and Barnabas's report highlighted that God "had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles". This was not by their strength or wisdom, but through their faithful obedience, God performed wonderful things. This "open door" for ministry to the Gentiles meant that countless individuals received eternal life, forgiveness, and peace with God, an impact no one could shut. The apostles, though just "passing through," left behind something permanent and eternal. Jesus is the ultimate "open door". He declared, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture" (John 10:9). In Revelation 3:8, Jesus assures believers, "Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut". This speaks to the enduring opportunity for ministry and salvation that He provides. Our temporary lives, lived in obedience to Him, can lead to eternal impact, opening doors for others to encounter His saving grace.
Life Application: Reflect on the "doors" God might be opening for you to minister to others, whether in your local community, workplace, or family. Are you sensitive to these opportunities and willing to walk through them in obedience, trusting in God's power? Remember that your actions, though in this temporary life, can have permanent, eternal consequences for others.
Prayer Points:
Pray for eyes to see the "open doors" for ministry that God places before you daily.
Ask for courage and obedience to walk through those doors, trusting in His power to work through your weakness.
Pray that your life, though temporary, would be used by God to bring about permanent, eternal changes in the lives of others, leading them to faith in Jesus Christ.
Sunday: Participating in Peace and Community
Scripture Focus: Acts 14:28 "And they remained no little time with the disciples."
Jesus-Centred Reflection: After completing their arduous missionary journey and sharing their powerful testimony, Paul and Barnabas did not immediately depart. Instead, they "remained no little time with the disciples" in Antioch. This period of staying in community was vital for rest, recovery, and mutual encouragement. It's a reminder that while we are "sent out" to make disciples, we also need to "come back in" and participate in the life of the church. This communal gathering strengthens faith, stirs up love and good works, and provides essential support (Hebrews 10:24-25). Jesus, after commissioning His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), also promised His perpetual presence: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). His vision for His body, the church, is a unified, interdependent community where believers gather to strengthen and encourage one another. Our participation in Christian community is not an option but a vital part of God's plan for our growth and the support of others.
Life Application: Are you actively participating in your local church community, seeking to encourage and be encouraged by other believers? How can you deepen your involvement in fellowship, whether through regular worship, small groups, or serving within the church? Remember that your presence, love, and willingness to serve are crucial for helping others in their walk of faith.
Prayer Points:
Pray for a deeper love and commitment to your local church community, seeing it as a vital place of mutual support and encouragement.
Ask for discernment to identify those within the church who may be struggling and how you can offer them support and encouragement.
Pray for your church as a whole to embody unity, strength, and a deep commitment to serving and encouraging one another in Christ.