And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

ACTS 14:26KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“sailed” Greek G636 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
  • Acts 20:15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
  • Acts 27:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

“thence” Greek G2547 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 10:1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
  • Acts 13:21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
  • Acts 27:4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

“whence” Greek G3606 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
  • Luke 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
  • Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

“Antioch” Greek G490 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
  • Acts 13:1 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.
  • Acts 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: