Book of Acts - Chapter 14 - Verse 26

After completing their missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas sailed back to Antioch, where they had initially been sent out to do the work of spreading the gospel. The phrase "recommended to the grace of God" suggests that they had received the blessings and support of the church in Antioch before embarking on their journey. This act of recommendation was a common practice in the early church, where believers would be sent out with the prayers and blessings of their community. The verse highlights the importance of community support and divine grace in fulfilling the work of spreading the message of God. It also emphasizes the role of Antioch as a sending church, which played a significant role in the missionary efforts of the early Christians.

When examining the theological interpretation of Acts 14:26, it is crucial to understand the context in which the verse is situated. Paul and Barnabas had just completed their first missionary journey, during which they faced many trials and tribulations in spreading the gospel. The verse describes their return to Antioch, where they had initially set out from and where they had been sent off with the grace of God for their mission. This highlights the importance of the grace of God in empowering and sustaining them throughout their work. The phrase "recommended to the grace of God" implies that their success was not due to their own strength or abilities but was attributed to the divine favor that had been bestowed upon them.

Furthermore, a word study on the term "grace" in this verse reveals its significance in the Christian faith. The Greek word used for grace is "charis," which denotes God's unmerited favor and blessings towards mankind. Paul and Barnabas relied on this grace to fulfill the work that had been assigned to them, emphasizing the need for divine assistance in carrying out the ministry. The verse serves as a reminder to believers that their endeavors should be underpinned by God's grace, recognizing that true success comes from His empowerment rather than human effort alone.