What were the key events in Paul's First Missionary Journey?

Historical Context and Commissioning (Acts 13:1–3)

The events traditionally termed the “First Missionary Journey” took place around AD 47–49. They began in the city of Antioch in Syria, where a growing community of believers—consisting of both Jewish and Gentile followers—worshiped and fasted. According to the account recorded in Acts 13:2–3, “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

Antioch had become an influential center for early faith communities partly because of its strategic location and the presence of a thriving Jewish diaspora, which made it an ideal launching point for missions. The Roman-built roads stretching across the Empire facilitated relatively safe and swift travel. Historical sources and archaeological evidence confirm that Antioch was a major hub, with inscriptions attesting to its diverse population and commercial activity.

Journey to Cyprus: Proclamation in Salamis and Paphos (Acts 13:4–12)

Leaving Antioch, Barnabas, Saul (Paul), and John Mark sailed to Cyprus, the homeland of Barnabas. They landed at Salamis, a prominent port city on the island’s eastern coast. Acts 13:5 states, “When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.”

Moving across the island to Paphos, on the western side of Cyprus, they encountered a high-ranking official named Sergius Paulus. Archaeological discoveries on Cyprus and in the region around Pisidian Antioch include inscriptions bearing the name of Sergius Paulus and his extended family line, corroborating the biblical narrative. In Paphos, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus (also called Elymas) opposed their teaching. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas, causing him to lose his sight temporarily (Acts 13:11). According to Acts 13:12, “When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.”

Departure to Perga and Split with John Mark (Acts 13:13)

From Cyprus, the party sailed north to Perga in Pamphylia, located on the southern coast of modern-day Turkey. The city was known for its distinctive Greek culture, significant trading routes, and notable worship of various pagan deities. Near this point, John Mark parted ways with Paul and Barnabas, returning to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Although Scripture does not specify the reason, this departure later caused tension between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37–39).

Inscriptions and artifacts discovered around ancient Perga, including coins and temple remnants, confirm the city’s prominence during the time of Paul’s visit. These findings support the historical plausibility and context of the Acts narrative.

Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:14–52)

Traveling from Perga inland to Antioch of Pisidia (in the region of Galatia), Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue on the Sabbath. Acts 13:16 shows Paul standing up to address both Jews and Gentiles who were gathered: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!” This sermon summarized Israel’s history leading up to the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus, culminating in the proclamation of His resurrection.

Paul’s message emphasized that “by Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39). Some of the Jews and many Gentiles embraced the message, but others contested it. Eventually, Paul and Barnabas were expelled from the city (Acts 13:50).

Archaeological surveys of the region around Pisidian Antioch have uncovered Roman roads, aqueduct remains, and inscriptions referencing local government officials, verifying the existence and civic structure of the area. This background adds historical credibility to Paul’s presence and the conflict described in Acts.

Ministry in Iconium (Acts 14:1–7)

Forced to depart Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas continued eastward to Iconium. Acts 14:1 records, “At Iconium, they entered the Jewish synagogue, as they usually did, and they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” Despite initial success, an adverse faction stirred up opposition.

A plot emerged to stone Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:5), prompting them to flee to the nearby cities of Lystra and Derbe. The continued presence of Jewish and Gentile believers in Iconium offers support for the mission’s fruitfulness, and there are references to ancient synagogues and worship spaces in that region, though excavation details remain limited compared to other cities.

Miracles and Reactions in Lystra (Acts 14:8–20)

Arriving at Lystra, Paul healed a man crippled since birth (Acts 14:8–10). Awed by this miracle, the local population—steeped in Greco-Roman religious practices—proclaimed Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes. The crowds even attempted to offer sacrifices in their honor (Acts 14:13).

Paul and Barnabas vehemently refused such worship, insisting they were merely messengers pointing to “the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them” (Acts 14:15). The shift from extravagantly honoring them to violently opposing them happened swiftly when hostile individuals arrived from Antioch and Iconium. Paul was stoned and left for dead but miraculously survived (Acts 14:19–20).

Archaeological research in Lystra reveals evidence of devotion to Zeus and Hermes, with inscriptions dedicated to these deities. Such religious practices align with the recorded episode in Acts, illustrating how local people could interpret divine power through the lens of their existing pagan culture.

Evangelism in Derbe and the Return to Antioch (Acts 14:21–28)

After recovering, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Derbe, where many were converted to the faith (Acts 14:21). Subsequently, they retraced their route through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, strengthening believers and appointing elders (Acts 14:23). The journey concluded with a return to Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:26–28), where the missionaries reported “all that God had done through them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27).

The expedition’s completion marked a significant milestone in the spread of the message beyond traditional Jewish communities. Iconic road remnants and references in ancient writings confirm the plausible traveling routes described.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

1. Inscriptions bearing the name “Sergius Paulus” on Cyprus and in parts of Asia Minor lend historical weight to Luke’s account of Paul’s dealings with the proconsul.

2. Excavations in Pisidian Antioch, Perga, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe have uncovered structures, inscriptions, and cultural artifacts that fit the scriptural timeline.

3. The presence of Roman road networks—meticulously documented by historians and archaeologists—supports the logistical feasibility of covering such distances in the first century.

4. Scholars such as Sir William Ramsay have noted Luke’s geographical precision in Acts, confirming its reliability as an ancient historical record.

Significance and Legacy

Paul’s First Missionary Journey set vital precedents: taking the message to Gentile territories, establishing local communities, and emphasizing the spiritual unity of believers regardless of ethnic background. The synergy of Scripture, historical records, and archaeological findings demonstrates the factual nature of Paul’s travels and the dynamic growth of the early community of faith.

These narratives also underscore the overarching truth that the Creator—who formed the world and fashioned humanity—sovereignly guided these events and confirmed the transformative power of the message. The mission’s success prepared the path for additional journeys and placed enduring congregations throughout the region of Galatia and beyond.

In sum, the key events of Paul’s First Missionary Journey include:

• The commissioning at Antioch (Acts 13:1–3).

• Preaching across Cyprus, confronting Elymas, and leading Sergius Paulus to belief (Acts 13:4–12).

• John Mark’s departure at Perga (Acts 13:13).

• Proclamation in Antioch of Pisidia, with Paul’s sermon (Acts 13:14–52).

• Contention and evangelism in Iconium (Acts 14:1–7).

• A miraculous healing—and subsequent persecution—in Lystra (Acts 14:8–20).

• Ministry in Derbe, following up in the previous cities, and finally returning to Antioch (Acts 14:21–28).

Each episode is woven together by a consistent historical framework, corroborated by archaeological discoveries and the broader scriptural message.