"They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. 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.”

Acts 14:21-22

It would have been much easier for Paul and Barnabas to continue to Syrian Antioch overland via Tarsus, the city of Paul’s birth. Instead, they take the long road back, through all the cities they have just visited. Their reason is clear—this is a pastoral visitation of each new church. Luke says they were ‘strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith’ (v. 22). The verb ‘strengthen’ is only found in Acts: Luke uses it four times to underscore its strategic significance, all in the context of strengthening fellow believers (Acts 14:22; 15:32; 15:41; 18:23).

The visiting of existing churches represents a new stage in Paul’s missional strategy. After the founding of the core of a Christian community, he tends to leave quickly, often forced out by threats and persecution. He wants to prevent these new churches from growing overly dependent on him, allowing them to learn how to function independently. However, he does not leave them permanently, but returns for pastoral visits to train and strengthen them in their faith and mission. We know from his many letters that writing is another strategy with a similar goal. Galatians is probably written to these very churches in Iconium, Lystra, and Pisidian Antioch.

In addition to strengthening and encouraging these infant churches, Paul appoints ‘elders’ (v. 23) for each new congregation. This results in a long-term, local leadership structure that will help them to develop in a healthy way. It allows local leaders to emerge and provide the pastoral care these churches require and supplies the young communities with much-needed stability, sustainability, and direction for further missional growth.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, please give me your loving heart for the church. Thank you for the part you give me to play in it; help me to encourage and strengthen believers around me today.

(edited from Encounter with God)