Lives of Scripture

The first inland city Paul and Barnabas reached on the first missionary journey, after Perga. In its synagogue Paul preached the longest of his sermons recorded in Acts, tracing Israel's history to Christ's death and resurrection and offering forgiveness of sins through Him (Acts 13:16-41). Almost the whole city gathered the next Sabbath to hear the word, but jealous opposition drove the missionaries out, and there Paul and Barnabas declared they were turning to the Gentiles and shook the dust from their feet (Acts 13:44-51). They came back through the city on the return leg to strengthen the disciples and appoint elders (Acts 14:21-23), and Paul later recalls the persecutions he endured there (2 Timothy 3:11).