Paul’s First Missionary Journey
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Paul’s first missionary journey marked a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity. The Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas for this mission, and after prayer and fasting, the church in Antioch sent them out Acts 13:1-3. They first traveled to Cyprus, where they preached in the synagogues, following the pattern set by Jesus to proclaim the message to the Jews first. In Paphos, they encountered a false prophet named Elymas, who tried to prevent the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, from believing. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas and caused him to go blind, leading the proconsul to accept the message of Christ Acts 13:6-12.
Paul and Barnabas sailed from Cyprus to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark left them to return to Jerusalem, perhaps out of discouragement because of the difficulty of the trip Acts 13:13. They then journeyed to Pisidian Antioch, where Paul preached a sermon explaining how Jesus fulfilled the promises made to Israel. Many Gentiles received the message, but Jewish leaders became jealous and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, forcing them to leave Acts 13:14-50.
Paul and Barnabas again preached in the synagogue in Iconium, and many Jews and Gentiles believed. However, opposition arose, and they had to flee to Lystra Acts 14:1-7. There, Paul healed a man who had been lame from birth. The people, thinking they were gods, tried to offer sacrifices to them. Paul and Barnabas quickly corrected them, pointing them to the one true God Acts 14:8-18. Soon after, Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and turned the crowd against Paul. He was stoned and left for dead, but he miraculously survived and continued his mission Acts 14:19-20.
Paul and Barnabas then went to Derbe, where they made many disciples. Instead of taking a new route home, they retraced their steps, encouraging the believers and appointing church elders Acts 14:21-23. Finally, they returned to the church in Antioch, reporting all God had done and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles Acts 14:26-27.
Paul’s first missionary journey significantly spread the gospel beyond the Jewish people. It demonstrated that salvation was for Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling God’s promise to bless all nations through Christ. Despite opposition and suffering, Paul’s boldness in preaching set an example for future missionaries. His journey showed that the gospel would advance despite persecution and that God would strengthen His people to continue the work. The churches Paul planted became the foundation for the growing Christian movement, making significant inroads into the pagan Roman Empire, showing that God’s message would reach the ends of the earth.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
