Acts 14:21

21 After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra, then Iconium, and then Antioch,

Acts 14:21 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 14:21

And when they had preached the Gospel to that city
To the inhabitants of it, as they did in every place where they came, even the pure Gospel of Christ, the good news, and glad tidings of life and salvation by him:

and had taught many;
or made them disciples, their ministry being blessed to bring many to the faith of Christ:

they returned again to Lystra;
where Paul had been stoned:

and to Iconium;
where both Jews and Gentiles, and the magistrates of the city, had attempted to use them ill, and to stone them:

and Antioch;
that is, in Pisidia, as before; where a persecution was raised against them, and from the coasts of which place they were expelled; so fearless were they of danger, and so zealous to promote the interest of Christ, and the good of souls.

Acts 14:21 In-Context

19 Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium caught up with them and turned the fickle crowd against them. They beat Paul unconscious, dragged him outside the town and left him for dead.

20 But as the disciples gathered around him, he came to and got up. He went back into town and the next day left with Barnabas for Derbe.

21 After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra, then Iconium, and then Antioch,

22 putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn't be easy: "Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times."

23 Paul and Barnabas handpicked leaders in each church. After praying - their prayers intensified by fasting - they presented these new leaders to the Master to whom they had entrusted their lives.