Acts 13-14

These 2 chapters are a fast moving account of Paul's first missionary journey. To get the big picture there are maps in my study bible, and it was cool to follow the map along with scripture.
I wonder how long the entire journy took them. I imagine the goal of the mission was to spread the gospel message to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas visited 7-8 different cities and each place had their unique stories and reactions to the teachings and to the them as well. Some were really receptive (Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch), while others divided (Iconium) or were quite harsh! (Lystra) It was interesting that they went back to the cities they just preached at to encourage/strengthen them to keep up their faith, instead of just heading back to Antioch where they set out from. The disicples in each city must have been so encouraged that they would take time to come back and support them further. When they finally come back to their home base in Antioch, they give a report of their completed journey of how God carried them through and used them to carry out the command in Acts 13:47, "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."

I think God also is speaking to us to be light in our mission field... to those around us in our every day lives (family, friends, co workers, strangers)...to share Jesus and His love in and through our actions and words. May we be reminded and encouraged to press on in living out our walk with Christ and to have that passion to be joyful and delight in Jesus.

Joy