Summarize the first missionary journey of Paul
The first missionary journey of Paul took place between 46-48 AD, and it marked the beginning of his extensive travels and evangelization efforts throughout the Roman Empire. Accompanied by his companion Barnabas, Paul traveled from Antioch to various cities in modern-day Turkey and Cyprus.
Starting in Seleucia, the two missionaries visited Salamis on the island of Cyprus, where they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues. They then traveled across the island, reaching Paphos, where they encountered a sorcerer named Elymas. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted Elymas and struck him blind, gaining the attention and belief of the proconsul Sergius Paulus.
Leaving Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas arrived in Perga, a city in Pamphylia, where John Mark, Barnabas' nephew, decided to return to Jerusalem. From there, they traveled to Pisidian Antioch, where Paul delivered a significant sermon in the synagogue, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus. Many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles embraced the message, while some opposed Paul and incited a conflict that led to their expulsion from the city.
Paul and Barnabas then moved on to Iconium, where they experienced both success and opposition among the Jewish and Gentile populations. Despite attempts to stone them, they remained in the city for a significant time, preaching and performing miracles. Eventually, they fled to Lystra and Derbe, neighboring cities in the region of Lycaonia.
In Lystra, Paul miraculously healed a man, which led the locals to believe that he and Barnabas were Greek gods. The situation quickly changed as some antagonistic Jews arrived from Antioch and persuaded the crowds to stone Paul. Believed to be dead, Paul miraculously rose and continued his journey with Barnabas to Derbe.
After preaching and making disciples in Derbe, the two missionaries retraced their steps, revisiting the towns they had evangelized, encouraging and strengthening the believers in each place. Upon returning to Perga, they sailed back to Antioch in Syria, concluding their first missionary journey.
Despite facing many challenges and opposition, Paul and Barnabas successfully spread the Gospel, establishing churches and fostering a growing Christian community in their midst. This journey laid the foundation for Paul's subsequent journeys and further contributions to the growth of early Christianity.