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This first famous missionary tour had some features quite peculiar to itself and is, in some respects, inimitable by us. Bat in other aspects it may be regarded as a typical work of God.

I. IT was BEGUN IN GOD. It was

(1) prompted by his Spirit (Acts 13:2, 4);

(2) entered upon after seeking Divine guidance (ver. 26). Paul and Barnabas went forth, the conscious workmen of God himself. They felt that what would be done through their instrumentality would be done "by God with them." All was, as all should ever be, "begun in him."

II. IN HIS STRENGTH IT WAS CARRIED ON AND COMPLETED. In his strength. The entire account, from beginning to end, conveys the idea that the apostles sought and found their strength in a Divine source; indeed, nothing less would have sustained them under the difficulties and sufferings of their mission. It was carried on and completed. It was a work "which they fulfilled"

(1) spite of Mark's discouraging defection (Acts 13:13);

(2) notwithstanding the physical difficulties of traveling and the active animosity of the Jews;

(3) though every personal consideration would have led them to conclude it earlier (ver. 21). Undeterred by any checks, untempted by any inducements, they went quite through their work - God's work - and did not cease to toil and to endure until everything was done they could do, not only to introduce but to establish the Christian faith in the heart of the heathen land they visited. Well is it for the Christian workman when it can be said of him that he "fulfilled" or finished his work. Sometimes

(1) weariness, or

(2) timidity, or

(3) dissatisfaction, or

(4) dissension overtakes the laborer even in the field of holy love, and he lays down his weapon and forsakes his work. Not his is the crown and the "Well done!" at the hand and the lips of the Lord.

III. IT WAS CROWNED BY A RECITAL TO THOSE WHOM THEY REPRESENTED. Paul and Barnabas were undoubtedly sent of God; but they also went as members of the Church at Antioch. That Church regarded them as its representatives, followed them with its sympathies, sustained them by its prayers, and received them back with its warmest welcome. And to that Church, gathered together for the purpose, they recounted" all that God had done with them " - a most suitable crown to a noble work. With eager, sympathetic, rejoicing spirits the assembly must have received the narrative. How grateful must have been the psalms, how fervent the prayers, how heartfelt the congratulations, that followed! A work is not crowned until its story has been told to those who had a real and living part in its initiation and its procedure.

IV. IT WAS FOLLOWED BY INVIGORATING REST (ver. 28) - the rest of

(1) happy human fellowship and

(2) appreciated service. - C.

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KJV: And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

WEB: They passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.