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Easter Season · Fifth Sunday of Easter · Year C

Acts 14:21-27

Strengthening the Young Churches

May 14, 2028

The Sacrifice at Lystra, Raphael
The Sacrifice at Lystra, Raphael, 1515Victoria and Albert Museum, London (tapestry cartoon) / Wikimedia Commons
One of the Sistine tapestry cartoons. The crowd has brought an ox to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas, and Barnabas is tearing his own clothes to stop them.We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news: the reading is the end of that journey, and this is the moment it was nearly misunderstood entirely.RaphaelRaphael Sanzio of Urbino (1483-1520), the youngest of the three who defined the High Renaissance. He died on Good Friday at thirty-seven.Victoria and Albert Museum, London (tapestry cartoon) / Wikimedia CommonsThe Raphael Cartoons belong to the Crown and have hung in a purpose-built gallery at the V&A since 1865.Victoria and Albert Museum, London (tapestry cartoon) / Wikimedia Commons
Roman Lectionary
GospelJn. 13:31-33a, 34-35Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35
Second ReadingRev. 21:1-5aRev 21:1-5a
First ReadingActs 14:21-27
Responsorial PsalmPs. 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 (cf. 1)Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 (cf. 1)

Overview & Insights

"They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, 'It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.'" (Acts 14:22)

Having preached the gospel in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, appointing elders in each young church before sailing home to Syrian Antioch. There they report to the gathered church how God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

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Commentary

Acts 14 Commentary Precept Austin

A verse-by-verse compilation of commentary on the end of Paul and Barnabas' first journey.

Acts 14 Commentary: The Conclusion of the First Missionary Journey Enduring Word · David Guzik

Guzik traces the return through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch and the appointing of elders.

Acts 14:21 Commentaries BibleHub

Pulls together classic commentators on the strengthening of the young churches.

Acts 14 StudyLight

Gill's Exposition offers detailed historical and textual notes on the chapter.

Background & Word Study

Acts 14:21 Interlinear BibleHub

Shows the Greek text of the return journey and appointment of elders word by word.

Read Scripture: Acts BibleProject

An animated overview situates this return journey within Acts' two-part structure.

The Church Fathers

Acts 14 Catena

Gathers patristic commentary on the appointing of elders and the report to the sending church.

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