First Gentile Missions: Return

The proclamation of the Gospel results in two kinds of fruit. One kind of fruit is converts to Christ, for the gospel is the power of God unto salvation for those who believe it. However, it also provokes the fruit of hostility in many who reject it. After seeing converts in Derbe, Paul could have simply continued eastward, crossed the Tarsus Mountains and continued to Antioch of Syria. Instead, he walked back into the mouth of the Lion, but this time to minister to the converts. This they did in obedience to the Great Commission—“make disciples” by baptizing and teaching them (Matt. 28:20).

They strengthened the souls of the converts, establishing them in the faith to persevere. Perseverance is the sole proof of genuine salvation (Matt. 10:22; John 8:31; Rev. 2:7, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21). While perseverance is the responsibility of each, it is possible only as grace enables obedience (Phil. 2:12, 13).

They also prepared them for suffering tribulation (Rom. 5:3, 4; 8:17, 18; 1 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-16) “Entering the kingdom” is probably used here in the sense of the final consummation of all things at the return of Jesus Christ. In one sense, the Kingdom of God is already present in the person and power of the Spirit of Christ (Matt. 4:17; 6:33; 12:28; chapter 13; Luke 17:21; Acts 8:12). There is another sense that it is future, as it is in our text now (Matt. 7:21; 8:11, 12; 2 Peter 1:11).

Third, they established churches, organizing them to carry out Christ's commission. Local churches are God's plan to evangelize the world. To that end, the ordaining elders to lead, feed, and care for the flock.