“Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy — The Great Transition, The Glorious Sweep of God’s Abundant Grace — Paul’s First Missionary Journey Continues — The Theme Is Repeated and Interrupted, But Fruitful Nevertheless””

Chapter 14 includes the preaching of Paul and his associates in a number of cities.  But unbelieving Jews followed him from city to city and attempted a stoning in one city and accomplished one in another, but nevertheless the ministry bore much fruit.  Finally, after retracing their steps they returned by sea to Antioch from which they had been sent forth to the Gentiles by the grace of God.  There was much rejoicing in the church there when the news was reported concerning the salvation of the Gentiles. And so the first missionary journey was completed.  This provides the opening for chapter 15, the chapter of a developing division within the body of believers in Jerusalem and, potentially in Antioch as well.  Praise God that as Paul exclaimed to the believers in a number of cities “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”.  For the Lord was opening the door of faith to the Gentiles as he closed other doors to the Jews, and all so that grace might reign through Jesus Christ.