Completion of the First
Journey - Mission Building

Having preached in Derbe and made some converts, Paul and Barnabas retraced
their steps to strengthen the newly-established congregations in Lystra, Iconium and Pisidian Antioch. In spite of the dangers they previously experienced in those
cities — the near-death stoning, hostility by the Jews — they were moved by the
Holy Spirit into a second phase, that of mission building. Additionally, they needed
to get in the last word, and not let those who would try to thwart the Gospel win.

"Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust." (Acts 14:21b-23)

After encouraging the new believers in the three cities to remain true to the faith,
they headed back into Pamphylia, stopping to preach in Perge.

Below, overall view of Perge today: theater (lower left), stadium (center), mesa-like acropolis (beyond)

Below, twin towers of Perge's Hellenistic city gate.

Then they went to the port city of Attalia, booked passage on a ship, and sailed
back to Antioch in Syria, where they began.

Below, modern Antalya (ancient Attalia), the port of Perge.

Below, Asi (Orantes) River flowing through Antakya, Turkey (ancient Antioch)

"On arriving [in Antioch], they gathered the church together and reported all
that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to
the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples."
(Acts 14:27-28)

It is estimated that the 1st journey lasted from 46-48 AD.