Acts 14:25 – “And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.”

Extended Explanation

This verse marks the final stretch of Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey. After traveling through various cities, preaching the gospel, and strengthening believers, they arrived in Perga, a city they had passed through earlier (Acts 13:13). This time, however, they actively preached there before heading to Attalia, a port city where they would begin their journey back to their home church in Antioch.

While this verse may seem like a simple travel note, it actually highlights the missionaries’ commitment to finishing their mission well. Even as they were nearing the end of their journey, they didn’t slow down or stop preaching. They remained faithful in every place they visited.

Historical Context

Paul and Barnabas had been traveling through Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) on their first missionary journey. They had faced intense persecution, including Paul being stoned in Lystra (Acts 14:19), but they persevered.

Perga was a significant city in the region of Pamphylia, and it was here that John Mark had earlier left them (Acts 13:13), possibly discouraging them. Now, upon their return, they preached the word—indicating that they had unfinished business there.

From Perga, they went to Attalia, a coastal city that served as a major port. Attalia was an important trading hub, and from there, they would sail back to their home base in Antioch, where they had originally been sent out (Acts 13:1-3).

This verse emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas were not just traveling—they were preaching at every opportunity. Even as they prepared to return home, they remained committed to sharing the gospel.

Theological Implications

1. Faithfulness in finishing the mission – Paul and Barnabas didn’t stop preaching just because they were nearing the end of their journey. They remained committed to their calling until the very last stop.
2. Every place matters – They didn’t ignore Perga on their way home. This teaches that no place or person is too small or insignificant for the gospel.
3. God uses every step of the journey – Even when the trip was almost over, they were still on mission. This reminds us that God’s work continues until He calls us home.

Literary Analysis

This verse is brief but purposeful. The phrase “preached the word in Perga” shows that their mission was still active. The Greek word used for “preached” (Greek: laleō) suggests ongoing speech—implying that this wasn’t just a quick stop, but an intentional moment of ministry.

The mention of Attalia is significant because it was a strategic location for travel. Luke, the author of Acts, could have skipped this detail, but he included it to show that Paul and Barnabas were thoughtful in their journey—choosing routes that helped spread the gospel more effectively.

The verse also follows a pattern seen throughout Acts—preach, move, preach, move—demonstrating the missionary lifestyle of the early church.

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 were living out this command.
• Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Paul and Barnabas modeled endurance.
• Acts 13:13 – Perga was where John Mark abandoned them earlier in the journey. Returning to preach there shows Paul and Barnabas’ commitment.
• 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul always emphasized finishing well—this verse in Acts is an example of that.
• Acts 14:26-27 – The next verses show that after reaching Attalia, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and reported all that God had done.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches a powerful lesson about perseverance. Paul and Barnabas didn’t slow down as they neared the end of their journey. Instead, they remained faithful, preaching even in places they had previously passed through.

For us, this means:

1. We should stay faithful to God’s calling, even when we feel like we’re nearing the “end” of a season. Whether in ministry, work, or personal life, we should keep serving and obeying God all the way through.
2. No place or person is too small for God’s attention. Paul and Barnabas didn’t ignore Perga the second time around. We, too, should be open to sharing the gospel in unexpected or overlooked places.
3. God’s mission doesn’t stop until He calls us home. Whether we’re young or old, there’s still work to do for His kingdom.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He guided Paul and Barnabas every step of the way. Even though they had been through intense hardship, God gave them the strength to keep going.

This verse also shows God’s patience and pursuit of people. Even though Paul and Barnabas had passed through Perga before, God led them back there, ensuring that the gospel was fully proclaimed. He doesn’t give up on places—or people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus, like Paul and Barnabas, was committed to finishing the work God gave Him.

• John 4:34 – “My food… is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
• John 19:30 – Jesus said, “It is finished,” showing that He completed His mission on the cross.
• Luke 19:10 – Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost,” which was also Paul and Barnabas’ mission.
• Matthew 24:14 – Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world,” and Paul and Barnabas were part of fulfilling that prophecy.

Paul and Barnabas followed Jesus’ example of perseverance, showing us that our calling as disciples is not just to start strong, but to finish strong as well.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul and Barnabas made it a priority to preach in Perga before heading home?
2. How does this verse challenge you to remain faithful in your own journey of faith?
3. What are some ways we can ensure that we finish well in whatever God has called us to do?
4. Have you ever overlooked an opportunity to share your faith because you were focused on something else? How does this verse challenge you?
5. How can we stay encouraged when we feel like we’re at the “end” of a season or mission?

This verse may seem like a simple travel update, but it carries deep truths about faithfulness, perseverance, and finishing strong. Paul and Barnabas didn’t stop preaching just because their journey was ending—they stayed committed to the mission. And just like them, we are called to keep going, keep sharing, and keep trusting God—until the very end.