Acts 14:21 – “They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch.”

Extended Explanation

This verse summarizes the ongoing mission of Paul and Barnabas. After facing severe persecution—including Paul being stoned and left for dead—they continued their journey and preached the gospel in Derbe. Their message was effective, and many people believed in Jesus.

But instead of moving on to a new place, they did something remarkable: they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch—the very cities where they had faced opposition and danger. This shows incredible courage and commitment. Paul and Barnabas weren’t just interested in making converts; they were committed to strengthening the faith of those who had already believed, even if it meant returning to hostile territory.

Historical Context

Paul and Barnabas were on their first missionary journey, spreading the message of Jesus throughout the Gentile world. This was a groundbreaking mission, as many of the people they preached to had never heard of the one true God.

Derbe was a relatively safe city compared to the others Paul had visited. There is no record of him being persecuted there, which may be why many people responded positively to his message.

However, returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch was extremely risky. In these cities, Paul had already been expelled, threatened, and even stoned. But his return showed that he was committed to more than just preaching—he wanted to encourage and strengthen new believers in their faith.

Theological Implications

1. The gospel is worth any risk – Paul and Barnabas were willing to go back into dangerous places because they believed that making disciples was more important than personal safety.
2. Discipleship is essential – Evangelism isn’t just about getting people to believe; it’s about helping them grow in faith. Paul and Barnabas returned to ensure that these new Christians were firmly grounded in their faith.
3. God’s work doesn’t stop because of persecution – Even after being stoned and left for dead, Paul kept moving forward. This shows that no amount of opposition can stop God’s mission.

Literary Analysis

This verse is straightforward, but its significance is found in its contrast. After Paul’s near-death experience, we might expect the story to end with him taking a long break. Instead, the phrase “they returned” is striking. The structure of the verse moves from success (“won a large number of disciples”) to sacrifice (“they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch”), showing that true ministry involves both.

Another key phrase is “preached the gospel”—it emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas were focused on spreading the message of Jesus, not on building their own influence or gaining safety.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Paul and Barnabas weren’t just preaching—they were discipling.
• 2 Timothy 2:3 – “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Paul later encouraged others to have the same endurance he demonstrated here.
• Acts 14:22 – The very next verse explains that Paul and Barnabas encouraged the believers, telling them that suffering was part of following Jesus.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to be bold in our faith. If Paul and Barnabas were willing to return to dangerous places for the sake of the gospel, what’s stopping us from sharing our faith in our own communities?

It also teaches us that discipleship is more than just making converts. It’s about walking alongside people as they grow in their faith. Paul and Barnabas didn’t just preach and leave; they came back to strengthen and encourage believers.

Finally, this verse reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy. Paul’s willingness to return to hostile cities shows that true commitment to Christ requires perseverance and courage.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He does not abandon His people. Paul and Barnabas returned to strengthen the believers, just as God always strengthens His children. He does not just call people to faith and leave them on their own—He continually supports, teaches, and encourages them.

This verse also reveals that God’s love is persistent. Even when people oppose the gospel, He continues to send messengers to share His truth. Paul’s return to these cities reflects God’s unwavering desire to bring people into a deeper relationship with Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s return to dangerous places mirrors Jesus’ own willingness to face suffering for the sake of others.

• Jesus returned to Jerusalem, knowing He would be crucified – Paul returning to Lystra is similar to Jesus knowingly walking into His own suffering (Luke 9:51).
• Jesus invested in discipleship – Like Paul, Jesus didn’t just call people to faith; He walked with them, taught them, and strengthened them (John 17:6-8).
• Jesus endured suffering for the sake of others – Paul’s endurance after being stoned reflects Jesus’ endurance on the cross (Hebrews 12:2).

Paul was following the example of Christ, showing that true discipleship means both sharing the gospel and supporting others in their faith, even at great personal cost.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Paul and Barnabas’ willingness to return to dangerous cities teach us about faithfulness?
2. How can we apply the principle of discipleship in our own lives?
3. What challenges do we face when sharing our faith today, and how can we respond with the same courage Paul had?
4. How does this verse encourage us to trust in God’s protection and guidance?
5. In what ways does this verse challenge us to be more intentional about helping others grow in their faith?

This verse is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is about more than just believing—it’s about commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to invest in the faith of others, no matter the cost.