The Work That They Fulfilled

Open Door Baptist Church

Acts # 38 – Acts 14:21-28

The Return to Syrian Antioch

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

The Report to the Church at Antioch

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

1. Confirm
2. Continue
3. Commend

1. Confirm

Confirming: ἐπιστηρίζω – epistérizó

• to make stronger
• I prop up, uphold, support, confirm, make stronger.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

( Romans 10:17 ) KJV

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

( Acts 15:40-41 ) KJV

2. Continue

Continue: ἐμμένω – emmenó

• to abide in, to be true to, to persevere
• I remain (abide) in, abide by, maintain, persevere in.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

( John 15:4 ) KJV

3. Commend

Commended: παρατίθημι – paratithémi

• to place beside, to set before
• (a) I set (especially a meal) before, serve,
• (b) act. and mid: I deposit with, entrust to,
• (c) I bring forward, quote as evidence.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

( Luke 23:46 ) KJV

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

( Acts 17:3 ) KJV

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

( 1 Corinthians 10:27 ) KJV

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

( Romans 12:1 ) KJV