Understanding Paul’s First Missionary Journey
Paul’s first missionary journey marks a pivotal moment in Christian history, the point where the gospel began to spread beyond Jewish communities to the Gentile world. This dramatic shift changed the course of history and is the reason many of us can call ourselves Christians today.
What Happens When Ministry Teams Face Conflict?
In Acts 13, we find Paul and Barnabas fresh off a spiritual high. They had just witnessed the conversion of a Roman governor on the island of Cyprus and were sailing to their next destination filled with excitement about what God would do next.
But as often happens after spiritual victories, trouble was waiting just around the corner.
“Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.” (Acts 13:13)
This simple verse hides a significant conflict. John Mark, who had joined Paul and Barnabas on their journey, suddenly abandoned the mission. While the text doesn’t explain why, we discover later in Acts 15 that this departure deeply upset Paul:
“Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” (Acts 15:37-39)
Whatever happened on that boat journey created such tension that it eventually split up one of the most effective ministry teams in the early church. This reminds us that:
Satan often attacks after spiritual victories
Conflict can come from those closest to us
Our witness can be damaged when we let disagreements become public
How Do We Respond When God Redirects Our Path?
Despite this setback, Paul and Barnabas continued their journey and arrived at Antioch in Pisidia—a city with the same name as their home church. This “God moment” likely encouraged them after their difficult experience with John Mark.
Following their pattern, they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath. After the regular service, the leaders invited them to speak. Paul seized this opportunity to deliver his first recorded sermon—a powerful message tracing Israel’s history and showing how it all pointed to Jesus.
What Was So Revolutionary About Paul’s Message?
Paul’s sermon reached its climax with these revolutionary words:
“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39)
This statement was scandalous to the Jewish religious system. Paul declared that:
The law of Moses could not fully justify people
Jesus alone provides complete forgiveness
This justification comes through belief, not religious works
This message of grace—that we can be declared righteous through faith in Jesus rather than through religious observance—was radical then and remains revolutionary today.
Why Did the Gentiles Respond So Differently Than the Jews?
The initial response to Paul’s message revealed a striking contrast:
“So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.” (Acts 13:42)
While many Jews left, the Gentiles (non-Jews) who had been listening were hungry for more. They spread the word throughout the week, and “on the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God” (Acts 13:44).
This massive turnout triggered jealousy among the Jewish leaders:
“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.” (Acts 13:45)
Their opposition wasn’t primarily about the message itself but about losing their influence and position. This jealousy led them to actively work against the gospel.
Why Did God Allow the Gospel to Come to Non-Jews?
In response to this rejection, Paul and Barnabas made a pivotal declaration:
“It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.” (Acts 13:46)
This moment marks a historic turning point in God’s plan of salvation. The door to heaven was opened to the entire world because God’s chosen people had rejected it. This is why we, as non-Jews, have access to the gospel today.
The Gentiles’ response was immediate and joyful:
“Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48)
Even though Paul and Barnabas were eventually driven out of the region, they left behind disciples “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).
Life Application: Responding to God’s Unexpected Grace
This passage challenges us in several important ways:
Examine how we handle conflict in ministry.
Do we allow disagreements to damage our witness?
Can we continue the mission even when relationships are strained?
Check our hearts for jealousy.
Are we genuinely happy when God works through others, or do we feel threatened when someone else’s ministry grows?
Recognize the privilege of being included in God’s family.
As Gentiles, we received the gospel only because it was rejected by others. This should fill us with gratitude and responsibility.
Live with the joy that comes from salvation.
Those early Gentile believers were “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” despite persecution. Is our salvation evident in how we live?
Questions to Consider This Week:
When was the last time I allowed a disagreement to damage my Christian witness?
Do I ever feel jealous when God blesses someone else’s ministry or spiritual life?
How often do I take for granted the incredible gift of being included in God’s family?
Is my life characterized by the joy that comes from knowing Christ, even in difficult circumstances?
This week, commit to living in a way that makes others curious about your faith. Remember that your life may be the only Bible some people ever read. Like those early Gentile believers, let your joy in Christ overflow in a way that draws others to Him.