As Paul and Barnabas’ journey continues many more people come to follow Christ in Derbe (v21). We see Paul’s ministry was pioneering in entering new territory with Gospel.

We also see how Paul strengthened young believers and churches (v21b-22). This strengthening ministry was very important to Paul and Barnabas as they were returning to cities were they faced great opposition and even attempts to kill them. We all need to be strengthened in our faith and we also all need to be involved in strengthening other believers. In your Christian life are you getting stronger? Are you stronger this year than you were last year?

Paul strengthens the believers by preparing them for trials (v22b). These young believers would have seen the reality of this in Paul and Barnabas’ ministry. They are also strengthened by elders being appointed in each church (v23). This gives good leadership and teaching. Pray earnestly for your elders as they have such an important role.

Paul and Barnabas then return to Antioch in Syria (v24-26) were they had started out from and reported back how they had got on (v27-28). Their report was filled not with their deeds but more importantly with what God had done. We must pray more and more for God to move.