Paul and Barnabas didn't just leave new believers behind; they intentionally "made many disciples," an active word that means they nurtured and trained them. Their return to the very cities where they faced severe persecution demonstrates a profound courage, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of these fledgling churches over their own safety.
When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from establishing a new community in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas heroically retrace their steps. They venture back to cities like Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch where they had previously faced severe persecution, even St. Paul's stoning. Their courageous return demonstrates a profound commitment to nurturing the fledgling believers they had won to Christ, prioritizing the spiritual health of the churches over their own safety.
It wasn't just about delivering a message; it was about building a community. What's the difference?
The verse uses a powerful word that’s more than just 'teaching.' It means to make disciples – to fully train and enlist followers in Christ's way. This implies a deep, transformative work that goes beyond simply imparting knowledge. It's about life change and commitment.
Building a Movement
This wasn't a one-and-done sermon. The apostles invested time and energy, nurturing new believers. This process of discipleship is foundational to the church's growth and the spread of the gospel.
Imagine being violently attacked in a city, and then choosing to go back. Why would anyone do that?
This verse reveals an astonishing level of courage. Paul and Barnabas returned to cities where they had faced severe persecution, even stoning (as seen in verse 19). This wasn't recklessness; it was rooted in:
Unwavering Commitment
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Their return journey wasn't just about retracing steps; it was a powerful testament to the resilience of their faith and the vital importance of the spiritual families they were helping to establish.
Understand the original words
euangelizō · Greek Verb
The "good news" or message of salvation regarding the life, death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A learner or pupil; one who follows the teachings of another, specifically a follower of Jesus Christ committed to his way of life and doctrine.
pistis · Greek Noun
The body of truth revealed by God, specifically the message of the gospel; the object of faith to which Christians must hold fast.
thlipsis · Greek Noun
Affliction, distress, or persecution suffered by believers, often as a result of their commitment to Christ; it is viewed in Scripture as an expected part of the Christian walk in a fallen world.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule and reign of God, manifested in the life of the believer and fully realized in the future age; it is the ultimate goal and inheritance of those who belong to Christ.
This verse highlights the incredible courage and dedication of the apostles, who risked their lives by returning to places where they had just faced severe persecution to nurture the fledgling Christian communities.
c. AD 47-48
First Missionary Journey Begins
Paul and Barnabas embark on their first major evangelistic mission, sent out by the church in Antioch.
c. AD 48
Preaching in Lystra and Iconium
Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel in Lystra and Iconium, facing significant opposition, particularly from Jewish leaders, leading to Paul being stoned in Lystra.
c. AD 48— this verse
Evangelizing Derbe
After fleeing Lystra, Paul and Barnabas travel to Derbe, where they preach the gospel and make many disciples.
c. AD 48
Return Journey to Strengthen Churches
Paul and Barnabas deliberately retrace their steps, returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to encourage and strengthen the new believers, despite the dangers they had previously faced.
c. AD 49
Return to Antioch
Paul and Barnabas complete their first missionary journey, returning to the church in Antioch to report on their work.
This passage directly parallels the mission described in Acts, where Jesus commissions his disciples to 'go and make disciples of all nations.' It highlights the foundational goal of evangelism: not just teaching, but forming disciples.
2 Timothy 3:12This verse speaks to the inevitable persecution faced by those who live godly lives, mirroring the apostles' courage in returning to cities where they had already suffered greatly. It underscores that hardship is often part of the journey of faith.
Acts 14:22This immediate follow-up verse reveals the purpose behind their return: to strengthen and encourage the new believers. It shows that evangelism is only the first step; nurturing the disciples is crucial.
Colossians 4:13This verse mentions Epaphras, who was concerned for the churches in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, showing that the work of establishing and caring for distant congregations was a vital part of the early church's mission, just as Paul and Barnabas did in Acts 14.
ellicottActs 14:21: "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,"
(21) And had taught many .—Better, made many disciples. The word is the same as in Matthew 28:19 . Among these we may note Gaius, or Caius, afterwards conspicuous as one of St. Paul’s companions ( Acts 20:4 ). The work done implies a stay of, it may be, some months’ duration. During this time the violence of the hostility of the Jews at Antioch and I…
bensonActs 14:21: "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,"
Acts 14:21-22 . And when they had preached, and taught many — Namely, at Derbe; and, it seems also, in Galatia and Phrygia: see Colossians 4:13 . Greek, μαθητευσαντες ικανους , having made many disciples; they returned again to Lystra, &c. — Being doubtless directed so to do by the Spirit; confirming the souls of the disciples — Whom they had convert…
Paul and Barnabas didn't just leave new believers behind; they intentionally "made many disciples," an active word that means they nurtured and trained them. Their return to the very cities where they faced severe persecution demonstrates a profound courage, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of these fledgling churches over their own safety.
Fresh from establishing a new community in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas heroically retrace their steps. They venture back to cities like Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch where they had previously faced severe persecution, even St. Paul's stoning. Their courageous return demonstrates a profound commitment to nurturing the fledgling believers they had won to Christ, prioritizing the spiritual health of the churches over their own safety.
Fresh from establishing a new community in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas heroically retrace their steps. They venture back to cities like Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch where they had previously faced severe persecution, even St. Paul's stoning. Their courageous return demonstrates a profound commitment to nurturing the fledgling believers they had won to Christ, prioritizing the spiritual health of the churches over their own safety.
"When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through…" — Paul and Barnabas didn't just leave new believers behind; they intentionally "made many disciples," an active word that means they nurtured and trained them. Their return to the very cities where the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
