Verum BibleEarly church•c. AD 46–48
Paul begins his first missionary journey
The church at Antioch commissions Paul and Barnabas, who proclaim Jesus in Cyprus and cities across southern Galatia before returning to report to the church.
missionGentilesAntioch
Historical context
Roman roads, ports, synagogues, marketplaces, and diaspora communities gave traveling teachers access to cities across the eastern Mediterranean. The journey also exposed missionaries to opposition, hospitality, new converts, and the challenge of forming local communities.
Biblical significance
The mission shows the Holy Spirit directing the church beyond its original center and joining Jewish Scripture with the proclamation of Jesus to Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas return to interpret the journey as God opening a door of faith to the nations.