Acts 14:26-15:4 Share God's Work

Big Idea: Local churches have responsibility to send those called to go out and those called to go out have responsibility to report on God's work to the local church.

Theological Proposition/Focus:The local church plays a vital role in the Great Commission by sending out missionaries, while those sent have a duty to report back, fostering a cycle of encouragement and collaboration in fulfilling God's plan.

Homiletical Proposition/Application:This sermon can help Christians recognize their part in the larger mission of the church—both as senders and goers. It encourages congregants to engage in mission work actively, support those who are sent, and appreciate the importance of sharing what God is doing in the world through their testimonies.

Introduction

Image: Gretan and the Gringo Party Bus (Nathan)

We had a wonderful missions trip, and I want to begin this morning by telling you a story—about a woman named Gretan. But to understand Gretan, we need to rewind to Friday.

Friday was, without a doubt, the hardest day of the entire trip. Emily and I weren’t feeling great—some of the food wasn’t sitting well—and we had a 90-minute bus ride ahead of us to a remote mountain village where we’d be inviting people to a future Bible study. This was day one of two in that village, and we were all a bit weary.

When we arrived, we found that even using the bathroom required paying a fee—but hey, that’s ministry. So we paid, smiled, and got to work. We split into groups to cover the streets. But within minutes, a missionary came running up to tell me that Tiffany had fallen and possibly broken her wrist. He was taking her back down the mountain to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the rest of us kept going. But honestly, things didn’t go well. Almost no one was outside, and those who were had no interest in talking. In fact, several of us were flat-out told no when we offered to pray. It felt like we were striking out. Later that evening we found out Tiffany would need surgery, and we headed back to the hotel discouraged and exhausted.

Emily and I were dropped off at the hospital to be with Tiffany, and it wasn’t until nearly 1:00 a.m. that we returned to the hotel. We had just a few hours to rest before heading back to the village the next morning.

Saturday brought more challenges. Tiffany had unexpected bleeding and had to stay behind. We were tired, a bit deflated, and honestly wondering what kind of impact we could possibly make. But that’s where everything changed.

When we got back to the village, it was like a whole new place. The streets were full, people were open, and we had conversation after conversation—and they wanted prayer! We even invited one family to lunch an hour away, and they not only came, but drove 90 minutes to attend church the next day.

But the moment that brought it all together was meeting Gretan.

As we loaded the bus to head back down the mountain, we noticed three empty seats—one for Tiffany, one for Harrison, and one for our missionary. Where were they? Looking out the front of the bus, we saw Jeff and Harrison deep in prayer with a woman. Her name was Gretan.

After they prayed, Jeff hopped on the bus and said, “Gretan’s heading down the mountain—can we give her a ride?” Of course, we had room. He turned to me and asked, “You okay sitting near her and talking?” I nodded, but then suddenly felt this strong internal nudge—like God was saying, “Move.” So I asked Emily to switch seats with me and talk to Gretan instead.

Here’s the amazing part: unknown to us, Jeff and Harrison had just prayed for Gretan’s hearing. And guess who Emily is? A hearing doctor. In that moment, God arranged a 30-minute bus ride where Gretan was seated—by divine appointment—with the exact person she needed.

And then, the comic relief. Halfway down the mountain, Gretan’s phone rang—on full speakerphone, of course. Her sister shouted in Spanish, “Where are you? What’s all that noise?” And Gretan yelled back, “I’m on a gringo party bus! They kidnapped me and we’re headed for the United States!”

We all laughed, but what struck me most was this: earlier that day I’d seen Gretan walking the village looking grumpy and withdrawn. But by the end of the day, she was laughing, joking, and blessed by God in a way no one could have orchestrated except Him.

So what’s the point? The point is God was at work all along. What seemed like setbacks—like Tiffany’s injury—turned into moments of compassion and care. What felt like wasted effort on Friday became fruitful ministry on Saturday. God redeems. God redirects. And sometimes, God sends a woman named Gretan onto a bus filled with gringos just so she can sit across from a hearing doctor named Emily. That’s the kind of God we serve.

Setting the Stage: (Harrison)

This morning, I want to take us back to the book of Acts and into the heart of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. Paul—once a fierce persecutor of the church—had been radically transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ. From that moment forward, his life was completely surrendered to one mission: proclaiming the good news of Jesus to anyone who would listen.

In Acts, we read about three major missionary journeys Paul undertook. Today, we're going to focus on what happened after one of them—his first journey, recorded in Acts chapters 13 and 14. Paul and Barnabas traveled through the island of Cyprus and into the interior of what is now modern-day Turkey. They preached boldly in synagogues, confronted spiritual darkness, healed the sick, faced violent persecution, and even endured the strange moment in Lystra when people tried to worship them as gods—only to later stone Paul when he refused their praise.

And yet, despite all the hardships, the gospel advanced. Churches were planted. Elders were appointed. Lives were changed. God's Spirit was clearly at work.

But here's the moment I want us to pause and reflect on today: after all the travel, all the preaching, all the highs and lows—Paul and Barnabas returned to their sending church in Antioch. Acts 14:26-28 tells us they gathered the church together and reported everything God had done through them—how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. What a powerful scene that must have been! Miraculous stories, hard-fought victories, and testimonies of grace—shared with the very people who had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them before they ever left.

This was more than a travel update—it was a celebration of God's faithfulness. It was a reminder that the mission doesn't belong to a few. It belongs to the whole church. Sending, praying, giving, rejoicing—every believer has a role to play.

So as we look at Paul's report to the church in Antioch today, I want to ask: how is God calling us to participate in His mission? Where is He opening doors of faith in our world right now—and how will we respond?

Body

Responsible — Local churches have a responsibility to send, the sent have a responsibility to report (14:26-27).

The church in Antioch commissioned them and sent Paul and Barnabas out and then Paul and Barnabas returned. This sets a vital precedent: missions is a two-way street. The local church has the responsibility to send, and the missionaries have the responsibility to report back.

In Acts 14:26-27, Paul and Barnabas return from their journey and gather the church together to share everything God had done. It's a powerful picture of partnership. Missions is not just the work of a few individuals; it is the shared work of the entire body. Those who go are an extension of those who send. And those who send need to hear and rejoice in what God is doing.

The support and commission of the local church should not be forgotten (26).

Verse 26 reminds us of three key truths:

• First, Paul and Barnabas were faithful to complete the work God had entrusted to them.

• Second, that work—traveling, preaching, praying, discipling—was exactly that:work. Yes, missions has moments of joy and adventure, but it's also early mornings, late nights, strange beds, cold showers, odd food, upset stomachs—and plenty of smiling through it all. It's a calling, not a vacation.

• Third, and most importantly, any fruit from that labor is purely by God's grace. Missionaries don't produce results—they witness them. Success in ministry isn't earned; it's given by a faithful God.

When Paul and Barnabas returned, they understood something we must remember: if the church commissions the work, then it's right and biblical to report back to that church.

The local church should be made aware of how God has worked (27a).

Luke is careful to emphasize that the report Paul and Barnabas gave wasn't abouttheiraccomplishments—it was aboutGod'sworkthroughthem. Yes, they had labored hard. But they were simply the tools in God's hands.

And notice this: they didn't just tell a few friends over coffee. They gathered the whole church. That's a crucial point. There's great value in personal conversations, but the church gathered is the audience the Bible highlights. That's why today we're preaching through our trip—not just swapping stories in the hallway—because this is the biblical model. The church gathered is where mission reports belong.

Image: Such a small part but still important.

When Paul and Barnabas reported back to the church in Antioch, they didn't emphasize their clever strategies or personal sacrifices. No, they "declared all thatGodhad done through them" (v. 27). That's key. God is the one who opens doors of faith, who brings people to Himself, and who builds His Church. And yet, He chooses to involve us in the process. As we consider our own church's role in this mission, it's humbling to realize how small our part often feels. Compared to the Summer Sojourners who spent two full months on the field, or the Journeymen who are giving two full years, or Jeff and Lori who have invested a lifetime—the week we spent may seem like just a drop in the bucket. And for those who stayed behind—those who prayed, gave, encouraged, or helped cover ministry needs here at home—your part may feel even "lesser." But make no mistake: in God's economy,everyfaithful role is significant. The church's encouragement and support may feel small compared to the visible, frontline work of missionaries—but it is vital. Just as a seed disappears into the soil and seems forgotten, yet brings forth life in due season, your part—however small—matters in the grand story of whatGodis doing.

The local church should be made aware of brothers and sisters from far away (27b).

I love how verse 27 ends—with Paul and Barnabas sharing how Gentiles, people far from Antioch, had come to saving faith in Jesus. The goal of missions is always to see people come to know Christ—and the joy of missions is in telling their stories.

So today, let me share one of those stories with you.

Image: Fernando, Jose and Paula (maybe Nathan?)

José and Paula are a married couple from Colombia. On Saturday, while we were walking through the village of Grifo Alto, one of the church members, Fernando, stopped in front of someone's yard. "This looks like cilantro," he said. "Do you think it is?" One of our teammates responded kindly but admitted later she was thinking,"We're supposed to be praying for people, not foraging for herbs!"

But Fernando wasn't distracted—he was just being himself. He picked a few leaves, curious to try it. Right then, José rolled up on his motorcycle and asked, "What are you doing?" Fernando explained, "Just checking out this cilantro and also, we're walking through the neighborhood, praying for people and inviting them to a Bible study."

That's when the conversation started. Jose called for his wife, Paula, and we invited them to Fernando's home—about an hour away—for lunch. They accepted. And here's the amazing part: they didn't know Fernando or anyone else in the group. But over lunch, we had a wonderful time getting to know them. We talked about faith. And the next day, José and Paula drove 90 minutes to attend church.

God used cilantro to connect two strangers—and possibly two new disciples—to the church.

So here's my request to you today:

Will you pray for Fernando? For his boldness, his kindness, his willingness to stop and notice someone?

Will you pray for Jose and Paula—that they would continue coming to church, that they would grow in faith, and join the new Bible study?

Encouraged — Investment, growth, and edification are needed even for those who have already been sent (14:28; 15:30-35). (Harrison?)

After reporting all that God had done, Acts 14:28 tells us that Paul and Barnabas stayed a while with the disciples in Antioch. That wasn't just a layover—it was a vital season of rest, encouragement, and spiritual renewal. Missionaries may be called to go, but they're also human. They need community, refreshment, and spiritual growth just like anyone else.

Now, to connect the rest of the story, we're going to jump ahead in chapter 15—but before we do, let me summarize verses 1-29.

As more Gentiles came to faith in Christ, an important and controversial question arose:Do Gentiles need to become Jews in order to be saved?This issue stirred serious debate in the early church. Eventually, the church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders. Though local churches are autonomous, this moment shows that wisdom can still be sought from others in the body of Christ.

The Jerusalem council responded with a clear answer: salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone—Gentiles do not need to become Jews to be saved. However, they also encouraged Gentile believers to be sensitive to Jewish cultural concerns in how they lived out their faith. With this wise and unifying message in hand, Paul and Barnabas returned once again to Antioch.

The local church should be a place where encouragement can happen (30-32).

When Paul and Barnabas delivered the message from Jerusalem, the church rejoiced. Verses 30-32 show us a beautiful picture of encouragement happening within the local church. Believers were strengthened, comforted, and built up.

Let's not miss this: missionaries are believers too. They need this kind of encouragement. Just because someone has been "sent" doesn't mean they stop needing support. In fact, they may need it more. The local church should be a place where those on the front lines can come home, be prayed for, be loved well, and be built up again.

The local church should be a place where growth occurs naturally (35).

Verse 35 gives us a brief, almost casual line:"But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also."It's a quiet verse—but one full of meaning.

Here, we see Paul and Barnabas not rushing off again, but settling in—teaching, encouraging, equipping. There's a sense of peace, of rhythm, of rest. It reminds us that growth doesn't always happen through urgency. Sometimes it happens in stability, community, and consistency.

Missionary work is hard work. But this scene reminds us that rest is also holy. That is God has set aside rest as an important part of life. And rest among your own people—the family of God that sent you—is especially sweet.

Image: Being a church where missionaries are encouraged: prayer, discipleship, genuine care. (Harrison)

Let's talk about what encouragement looks like in real life. Who are the the people serving? What does it really mean toencouragethem?

Recently, I asked Matt what has most encouraged him as a missionary. He didn't mention money or logistics. He mentionedconviction—how his local church had affirmed his calling and encouraged him to stay faithful, especially when the road got hard. He talked about how regular check-ins, faithful prayer, and even the little things—like a thoughtful message or a visit—reminded him that he's not alone. That his sending church still stands behind him.

Encouragement is not always dramatic—but it is deeply powerful. A church that encourages its missionaries is a church that says,"You're still part of us. We haven't forgotten you. And we're with you."

MTR: Make a plan; what would it look like for you to be part of encouraging a missionary?

Before you leave today, take one small step:

• Write a note.

• Send a message.

• Ask for a missionary's email address.

• Commit to pray weekly.

• Add a missionary to your family's prayer list.

Invite someone over and say, "Let's write to someone who's serving overseas."

Encouragement is not complicated. It's justintentional.So—what's one intentional wayyoucan encourage a missionary this week?

Repeat — Those who have been sent should always be ready and willing to go out again (15:1-15:4; 36).

We've been walking through Acts 14 and 15 a little out of order to trace the narrative flow. Earlier, we summarized the events of verses 1-29, where Paul and Barnabas addressed a major theological question in Jerusalem. Now, let's take a step back and reflect on the heart posture that emerges from this part of the story:a readiness to go again.

The end of one journey was in fact the beginning of another (1-2).

Just like in the military, missions operate in cycles of deployment. One trip may end—but it's not really an ending. It's preparation for what comes next. In Acts 15:1-2, Paul and Barnabas had just completed an intense journey, but instead of retreating into retirement, they stepped right into another mission—this time to Jerusalem, to help solve a theological crisis threatening the young church.

They were ready. They understood that the calling of a missionary is not a one-time act—it's a lifestyle of obedience. Different seasons, different places, different roles—but always ready to go.

It is never the wrong time to talk about what God is doing (3-4).

I love how verses 3-4 describe Paul and Barnabas traveling through Phoenicia and Samaria on their way to Jerusalem. What did they do along the way? They shared stories. They reported what God had done among the Gentiles. And as they did, it says the believers rejoiced.

They could have just traveled quietly. They could have focused on the problem ahead. But instead, they paused to tell the story of God's faithfulness. Why? Because it'sneverthe wrong time to talk about what God is doing.

Sometimes we're tempted to think, "The trip is over. That season is behind me." But if God has worked, the testimony remains fresh. Tell it. Celebrate it. Encourage others with it.

God may send you back out so you better be ready (36).

Now look at verse 36. After all the meetings and all the ministry, Paul turns to Barnabas and says,"Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."

The work wasn't finished. Paul understood that planting churches wasn't the end—strengthening those churches was just as essential. Discipleship is ongoing. And so, the heart of a missionary must remain open and ready.

Even after great fruitfulness, even after persecution, even after rest, Paul's instinct is togo again.

One of the biggest takeaways for me personally came from conversations with Matt and Ethan. They reminded me that missions, at its core, is simplyliving like Christ in a different setting.It's not about becoming a super-Christian or escaping your problems. The struggles of life—temptation, fatigue, relational tension, personal sin—they all follow you, even across borders. Going on a trip doesn't magically fix those things, nor does it give you a greater obligation to share the gospel than you already have right here at home. Missions is not about doing something extraordinary—it's about being faithful, wherever God places you. Whether in Costa Rica or right here in our community, we are all called to live and speak as followers of Jesus.

Image: What if we go back to Costa Rica? (Nathan)

On our last Sunday in Costa Rica, a young woman named Sarai, who had joined Harrison and me for evangelism, came up to me after church. With a mix of joy and sadness on her face, she said, "Well, I guess this is the last time I'll see you since I can't come tomorrow."

I gave her a hug and said something simple but deeply true:"Whether we come back someday, or whether we meet in heaven—it's not goodbye, I will see you again."

That's what real missions feels like. This isn't a vacation. It's not a short-term task. It's family. And when you say goodbye to family, it hurts. But in God's family, goodbyes are always temporary.

That's why we have to be open to going back. Because this isn't about completing a project—it's about loving people, building the church, and living out the Gospel. And love is always willing to return.

MTR: Start praying now and asking, "God would you have me go on the next trip?"

Don't wait for the next signup form. Start now. Ask God:"Would You have me go next time?"
And even if you never step foot in Costa Rica—or any other country—pray like someone who's part of the family.

Because in the body of Christ, every mission trip is a family reunion. And the greatest reunion of all is still coming—the Lord's Supper points us forward to that day. Until then, let's keep going, keep praying, and keep building up the family of God—here and across the world.