Introduction

Acts 14:21 presents a pivotal moment in the life of the early church, capturing the missionary endeavors of Paul and Barnabas. This verse encapsulates their commitment to spreading the gospel, their strategy of revisiting established churches, and emphasizes the impact of faithful teaching.

Preaching the Gospel

The phrase "when they had preached the gospel" is significant in understanding the essence of their mission.

• Matthew Henry points out that their preaching was not merely about sharing information but rather communicating the transformational message of Jesus Christ.
• Albert Barnes emphasizes that the primary focus of their preaching was the good news of salvation, calling individuals to repentance and faith.
• Adam Clarke further elaborates on the nature of this preaching as a dynamic act of teaching and evangelism, which was both doctrinal and practical, directed towards the moral and spiritual edification of the listeners.

Teaching Unto Them

The text mentions that they "had taught many", which underscores the apostolic method of not just evangelizing but also grounding believers in the faith.

• Matthew Henry notes that teaching is critical for the maturation of believers, as converts require instruction to grow in their understanding of God's word.
• Albert Barnes highlights the distinction between preaching and teaching; while preaching tends to be more declarative, teaching engages in explaining and clarifying truths for deeper understanding.
• Adam Clarke articulates that the teaching involves catechesis—enabling new believers to comprehend the foundational doctrines of the faith.

Return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch

The act of returning to the cities where they previously ministered reveals a strategic aspect of their ministry aimed at strengthening the young churches.

• Matthew Henry asserts that their return signifies the importance of pastoral care; the apostles aimed to provide further support and encouragement to the believers in these towns.
• Albert Barnes notes that their revisitation served to reinforce the foundation of faith among the newly formed congregations, emphasizing the need for apostolic authority in these early gatherings.
• Adam Clarke emphasizes the significance of continuity in ministry; their presence would foster unity and stability, illustrating the commitment of church leaders towards ongoing discipleship.

Theological Implications

Acts 14:21 not only reflects the historical context of early church expansion but also bears rich theological implications.

• Matthew Henry would assert that this passage reflects the perpetual mission of the church—preaching the gospel requires continual effort and endurance against opposition.
• Albert Barnes emphasizes the ethical dimension of teaching, suggesting that true faith must express itself in action and obedience to Christ.
• Adam Clarke argues for the necessity of both preaching and teaching in the life of the church as essential for spiritual growth, discrediting any notion of a mere ‘one-time decision’ mentality regarding salvation.

Conclusion

The study of Acts 14:21 draws out essential elements of the apostolic model of ministry, providing practical insights for today’s church leaders.

• This verse is a call to embrace a holistic approach to ministry that includes both evangelism and deep, sustained teaching of the Word.
• It serves as a reminder that the church must prioritize ongoing support and discipleship instead of solely focusing on initial conversions.
• The commitment shown by Paul and Barnabas to revisit these cities challenges contemporary Christians to consider how they can foster growth and accountability within their communities of faith.