Paul’s first missionary journey was made with Barnabas and John Mark. This journey is recorded in Acts 13:4–14:28. It was an important mission because it showed that the message of Jesus Christ was meant for Gentiles as well as Jews.
Journey to Cyprus
Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark first traveled from Antioch to the port city of Seleucia. From there, they sailed to the island of Cyprus. Cyprus was the home country of Barnabas, and it was a good place to begin their work Private Sofia Tours.
On the island, they preached the word of God in the Jewish synagogues at Salamis. They then traveled across the island to Paphos. In Paphos, they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, also called Elymas. He tried to turn the Roman governor, Sergius Paulus, away from the Christian message.
Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted Elymas and declared God’s judgment upon him. Elymas was struck blind for a time. When the governor saw what had happened, he believed in Jesus Christ. This event showed God’s power and helped spread the gospel to Roman leaders.
Travel to Asia Minor and John Mark’s Departure
After leaving Cyprus, the missionaries sailed to Perge in the region of Pamphylia, in Asia Minor. At this point, John Mark left Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem. The Bible does not clearly explain why he left, but his departure later caused disagreement between Paul and Barnabas.
Paul and Barnabas continued their journey without him. They traveled inland to Antioch in Pisidia.
Opposition and Growth in Antioch and Iconium
In Antioch of Pisidia, Paul preached in the synagogue. Many Jews and Gentiles believed after hearing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, some Jews rejected the message. They stirred up opposition and persecution against Paul and Barnabas. As a result, the missionaries were forced to leave the city Pauls Early Life After His Conversion.
They then traveled to Iconium, which is modern-day Konya. There, many people again believed in Jesus. Yet opposition arose once more. Both Jews and Gentiles planned to stone Paul and Barnabas. When they learned of this danger, they fled the city.
Events in Lystra and Derbe
Paul and Barnabas escaped to Lystra. In this city, Paul healed a man who had been crippled from birth. The people were amazed and believed Paul and Barnabas were gods. They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes” and wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
Paul and Barnabas strongly rejected this worship. They explained that they were only human and urged the people to turn to the living God. Later, Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and turned the crowd against Paul. Paul was stoned and left for dead. However, he survived and continued his mission.
The next day, Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe, where they preached the gospel and made many new disciples.
Return Journey and Strengthening the Churches
After their work in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia. They strengthened the believers and encouraged them to remain faithful, even during hardship. Elders were appointed in each church.
They then traveled back through Perge and sailed from Attalia, which is modern-day Antalya, to Antioch in Syria. There, they reported everything God had done and how He opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
The Council in Jerusalem
Later, a serious issue arose in Antioch. Some Jewish Christians taught that Gentile believers must be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses to be saved. This caused confusion and disagreement.
Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem to discuss this issue with the apostles and elders. A meeting was held, now known as the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1–32). The leaders concluded that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Gentile believers did not need to follow Jewish laws to be saved.
However, they were asked to avoid food offered to idols, blood, meat from strangled animals, and sexual immorality. A letter explaining this decision was sent to Antioch with Paul, Barnabas, Judas Barsabas, and Silas. This decision brought peace and unity to the early church.
