Paul's First Missionary Journey
Sermon Notes
1300 miles (650 by boat – 650 by land)
Nine cities mentioned by name.
The Journey of the Gospel – It starts with the Holy Spirit wherever we are
(Acts 1.8).
1. The church listened to the Holy Spirit (13.1-3).
As a church, and as people, are we led by the Spirit of God?
The Journey of the Gospel – It goes where we go - wherever our desires and dreams take us.
2. Seleucia (on the way) and then Cyprus (Jews first [v.5], opposition from a false prophet, then a Gentile [proconsul] responds to the Gospel – 13. 4-12).
3. Perga in Pamphylia (13.13)
4. Antioch in Pisidia (13.14-52)
• Can you tell the Gospel story so that your audience can connect?
The Journey of the Gospel – It is all about telling others about Jesus.
What does sharing the Gospel look like (vv.13-43)?
- Setting the context (Egypt, Promised Land, Judges, Kings – the King of Kings
- The Gospel is about Jesus – His death and resurrection
- Forgiveness and freedom
- The prophets all predicted this
- Many believed but opposition followed
• Opposition moved them on (vv.44-52).
The Journey of the Gospel - Opposition, growth, joy, and the Holy Spirit go hand in hand.
5. Paul keeps on preaching the Gospel – preaching to Jews and Gentile – opposition moves them on (14.1-28).
6. Iconium (vv.1-5; Lystra (vv.6-20); Derbe (v. 20)
• Miracles happen – a lame man healed
• Opposition pursues them
• Made disciples
7. They retrace their steps (vv.21-25).
The Journey of the Gospel – It grows through strong disciples who make strong churches led by strong elders who make disciples.
After 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,
"Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."
When they had
appointed elders
for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14:21-23
8. They return home to share the good news (vv.26-28).
The Journey of the Gospel – Celebrate what God does!
Questions for you and me:
1. A passion for the Gospel was a way of life for Paul – is it that for you and me?
2. Can I tell the Gospel in a simple straightforward way?
3. Am I becoming a stronger disciple and am I making disciples – just the way the early church did?
4. Are we a church with a passion to spread the news and make disciples, just like the church did in Antioch, and just like the churches did which Paul established?