Acts 14:24
And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἦλθον
they came
G2064
ἦλθον
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 7
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
This occurred during Paul's first missionary journey (circa AD 47-48). Pisidia's capital Antioch had witnessed both powerful gospel response and violent Jewish opposition. Pamphylia's major city Perga likely received renewed ministry on this return trip. Ancient Roman roads facilitated travel, though journeys were arduous and dangerous—bandits, wild animals, harsh terrain. The missionaries traveled on foot, relying on local hospitality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does apostolic courage to revisit hostile territories challenge your willingness to persevere where ministry proved difficult?
- What strategic principles can we discern from Paul's pattern of advance-consolidate-return in church planting?
Analysis & Commentary
After they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. Paul and Barnabas's return journey through Asia Minor demonstrates apostolic strategy: revisiting churches to strengthen disciples. The Greek dierchomai (διέρχομαι, "passed throughout") suggests thorough ministry, not mere transit. Pisidia was a rugged highland region where they'd faced persecution in Antioch (Acts 13:50-51). Rather than avoiding danger zones, they courageously retraced steps to consolidate gospel gains.
Pamphylia was a coastal region on the Mediterranean where John Mark had earlier abandoned the mission (Acts 13:13), a defection that would later cause sharp contention (Acts 15:36-40). The missionaries' return through these regions fulfilled Jesus' Great Commission pattern: preach, make disciples, establish churches. Their geographical movements reveal strategic gospel advance—penetrating inland highlands, then consolidating coastal areas, creating networks of Spirit-filled communities that would carry witness forward.