Acts 14:26 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:26 mean?

Acts 14:26 describes how Paul and Barnabas sailed back to Antioch, the city where they had originally been entrusted to God’s grace for the missionary work they have now completed. The verse highlights their return to the community that first sent them out, marking the end of their journey and the fulfillment of their mission.

In the context of Acts, Luke is narrating the travels of Paul and Barnabas after their first missionary journey. They are returning to Antioch in Syria, where the church had “recommended” (entrusted) them to God’s care for this specific work. This verse marks a transition point, showing both the completion of their assignment and their accountability to the sending church.

The Greek behind Acts 14:26

• παραδεδομένοι (paradedomenoi, “recommended”): This Greek word means to hand over or entrust. Here, it emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas were officially entrusted by the church in Antioch to God’s care and guidance for their mission.
• χάρις (charis, “grace”): This word often refers to God’s favor or kindness. In this context, it highlights that their work was dependent on God’s help, not just human effort.
• ἔργον (ergon, “work”): This word means a task or mission. It points to the specific assignment Paul and Barnabas were given, underlining that their journey had a clear purpose which they have now fulfilled.
• ἐπλήρωσαν (eplērōsan, “fulfilled”): This verb means to complete or bring to an end. It shows that Paul and Barnabas accomplished what they were sent to do, not just attempted it.

Why Acts 14:26 matters

• Acts 14:26 clarifies that Paul and Barnabas were not acting independently; they were sent and supported by a specific church community, showing the importance of accountability and partnership in early Christian missions.
• The verse emphasizes that their success was attributed to God’s grace, not just their own abilities, which is a recurring theme in Acts.
• By marking the completion of their mission, Acts 14:26 sets up the report they will give to the church in the next verses, highlighting the pattern of mission, return, and sharing what God has done.