The First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas are set apart by the Holy Spirit to bring the gospel to Cyprus and Asia Minor, planting churches among the Gentiles.
Acts 13:1-14:28
Take the Acts 13 Quiz
Test your knowledge of this chapter
Explore Acts Chapters
Study all chapters of Acts
The Story
In Antioch, as the church was worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' After fasting and praying, they laid hands on them and sent them off.
They sailed to Cyprus, where they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues. At Paphos, they encountered a false prophet named Elymas who opposed them, trying to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus from the faith. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounced judgment on Elymas, who was struck with temporary blindness. The proconsul, seeing this, believed.
From there they sailed to Perga and traveled to Pisidian Antioch. In the synagogue, Paul preached that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Many Jews and devout converts believed, but when the gospel was extended to Gentiles, the Jewish leaders became jealous and contradicted Paul. He declared, 'Since you thrust the word of God aside, we turn to the Gentiles.'
The Gentiles rejoiced and many believed, but persecution arose. Paul and Barnabas were driven out and went to Iconium, where again many believed—both Jews and Greeks. When a plot formed to stone them, they fled to Lystra.
In Lystra, Paul healed a man lame from birth. The crowd thought Paul and Barnabas were gods and tried to offer sacrifices to them. Paul tore his garments and cried out, 'We are men just like you, bringing you good news!' Yet Jews from Antioch came and stirred up the crowd. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, supposing him dead. But as the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and entered the city again.
After preaching in Derbe, they retraced their steps, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, saying, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.' They appointed elders in every church and returned to Antioch, where they reported all that God had done through them—how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
The first missionary journey had established the pattern: preach the gospel, endure persecution, plant churches, appoint leaders, and trust God for the increase.
Paul and Barnabas Go on a Big Trip
Kids Version
Paul and Barnabas were praying with their friends when God said, 'I have a special job for Paul and Barnabas. Send them out to tell people about Jesus!'
So they got on a boat and sailed to an island called Cyprus. They told everyone there about Jesus. A leader on the island wanted to believe, but a bad man named Elymas tried to stop him. Paul said, 'God is going to make you blind for a while because you're trying to stop people from learning about Jesus!' And Elymas couldn't see! When the leader saw this, he believed in Jesus.
Paul and Barnabas kept traveling to different cities. In some cities, people were happy to hear about Jesus and many believed! But in other cities, people got angry. In one city called Lystra, Paul healed a man who couldn't walk. The people were so amazed they thought Paul and Barnabas were special gods!
'No, no!' Paul said. 'We're just regular people! We want to tell you about the real God!'
But some mean people from another city came and made the crowd angry at Paul. They threw rocks at him until he fell down. Everyone thought Paul was dead! But when his friends gathered around him, Paul stood up! He wasn't going to give up.
Paul and Barnabas visited more cities, telling people about Jesus and starting churches—places where believers could meet together. Then they went back to visit all the new believers to encourage them.
When they got home, they told everyone, 'Look at all the amazing things God did! Lots of people believe in Jesus now!' Paul and Barnabas were brave missionaries who brought the good news to many people!
Ready to test your knowledge?
See how well you know this story from Acts.
Characters in This Story
Settings & Locations
Scripture — Acts 13:1-14:28 (KJV)
1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. which: or, Herod's foster brother
2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
6And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
7Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
8But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
10And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Memory Verse
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. which: or, Herod's foster brother”
— Acts 13:1 (KJV)
Test Your Knowledge
How well do you know the story of “The First Missionary Journey”? Take the quiz to find out.
More from Paul's Missions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “The First Missionary Journey” in the Bible?
Paul and Barnabas are set apart by the Holy Spirit to bring the gospel to Cyprus and Asia Minor, planting churches among the Gentiles. This story is found in Acts 13:1-14:28.
Where is “The First Missionary Journey” found in the Bible?
“The First Missionary Journey” is found in Acts 13:1-14:28, in the book of Acts.
What can children learn from “The First Missionary Journey”?
This story teaches children about Missions, Gospel to the Gentiles, Persecution, Church planting, Boldness. The Holy Spirit sent Paul and Barnabas to tell people in faraway places about Jesus. They faced troubles, but they kept sharing the good news!