King James Bible
"And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled."
Paul and Barnabas return to Syrian Antioch, their sending church and base of operations. This marks the completion of their first missionary journey, creating a circular narrative structure that emphasizes accountability to the home church. The church at Antioch had formally commissioned them through prayer and fasting (Acts 13:1-3), entrusting them to God's empowering grace. This phrase highlights that their mission was divinely ordained, not self-initiated. Despite persecution and hardships, they completed their assigned task of establishing churches among the Gentiles. The past tense 'fulfilled' carries a note of satisfaction and divine accomplishment, preparing for their report to the church.