Fr. Dr. Augustine Kanachikuzhy, SSP
The high point of Paul and Barnabas’ mission in Pisidian Antioch is Paul’s speech delivered in the synagogue at the invitation of its officials (Acts 13,16-41). First part (13:16-25): Paul recounts the major events of salvation history. Speaking to a Jewish audience, he recalls God’s actions in the past – their sojourn in Egypt, deliverance through the Exodus, and God’s guidance through Judges and Kings. Second part (13:26-37): Paul proclaims the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. He highlights Israel’s failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, their demand that Pilate crucify him, and God’s vindication in raising him from the dead. Third part (13:38-41): Paul concludes with an exhortation: forgiveness of sins and justification come through Christ. He urges his listeners not to reject this message. The discourse makes such an impression that the congregation invites Paul and Barnabas to return the following week. Yet, when they do, opposition arises, leading to persecution and forcing them to leave Antioch.
Mission in Iconium
From Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas travel to Iconium (Acts 13,51). Here, many Jews and Greeks accept their message, but others stir up hostility. The city becomes divided – some siding with the apostles, others with the opposing Jews. When violence escalates and an attempt is made to stone them, Paul and Barnabas flee to the Lycaonian towns.
Mission in Lystra
In Lystra, Paul heals a man crippled from birth. This miracle prompts the pagan populace to regard Paul and Barnabas as gods. The priest of Zeus even prepares sacrifices in their honour. To prevent this, Paul delivers a short discourse, redirecting the people to worship “the living God.” Unlike his synagogue sermon, Paul begins not with Israel’s patriarchs but with creation, teaching that the living God is the Creator and sustainer of life. He emphasizes God’s providence – sending rain, fruitful seasons, food, and joy. This shows Paul’s adaptability: To Jews, he draws from Scripture and salvation history. To Gentiles unfamiliar with the Scriptures, he speaks of God’s universal goodness and providence (cf. Acts 17,22-33). However, opposition soon follows. Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrive, inciting the crowd against Paul and Barnabas. Paul is stoned and left for dead, but he survives and continues preaching elsewhere.
Completion of the First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps through Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch, strengthening the disciples. They then travel to Perga in Pamphylia, and finally to the port of Attalia, from where they sail back to Antioch on the Orontes. There, the church receives them warmly and listens to the account of all that God accomplished through their mission.
Key Themes of the Journey
Resilience in persecution – despite opposition, stoning, and hardship, Paul presses forward with the gospel. The Holy Spirit’s guidance and protection – directing the missionaries, shielding them from violence, and empowering their work. Miracles as signs of God’s power – Paul blinds Elymas the magician and heals the crippled man at Lystra. Adaptability in preaching – Paul tailors his message to his audience: salvation history for Jews, creation and providence for Gentiles.
