Acts 14:26
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὅθεν
from whence
G3606
ὅθεν
from whence
Strong's:
G3606
Word #:
5 of 16
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
παραδεδομένοι
recommended
G3860
παραδεδομένοι
recommended
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
7 of 16
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτι
to the grace
G5485
χάριτι
to the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
9 of 16
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
the work
G2041
ἔργον
the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
14 of 16
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
Historical Context
Syrian Antioch (Acts 11:19-26, 13:1-3) was the first predominantly Gentile church and launching point for systematic Gentile missions. Founded by persecution-scattered disciples, it became Christianity's second great center after Jerusalem. The journey's completion (circa AD 48) preceded the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), which would address theological tensions from Gentile conversions this trip generated.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the pattern of sending churches commissioning and receiving missionaries inform contemporary mission accountability?
- What does being commended 'to the grace of God' teach about where true missionary power and protection originate?
Analysis & Commentary
Thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. The missionaries' return to their sending church demonstrates accountability and partnership in gospel work. The Greek paradothentes (παραδοθέντες, "recommended") means "handed over, committed," emphasizing the church's role in commissioning. They were commended to the grace of God (τῇ χάριτι τοῦ θεοῦ)—not to their own abilities but to divine enabling. Charis (grace) here means God's empowering favor for mission.
For the work which they fulfilled (εἰς τὸ ἔργον ὃ ἐπλήρωσαν)—the aorist verb plēroō (fulfilled, completed) indicates successful mission completion. They didn't abandon their assignment despite persecution, stoning, and opposition. This establishes the local church as the proper sending and receiving agency for missionaries, not independent operators. The phrase "from whence they had been" emphasizes returning to origins, closing the missional circle with testimony of God's faithfulness.