Acts 14:26

Antioch. In Syria, whence the apostles had set out on their journey. Their ship could pass between Cilicia and Cyprus, and either dock at Seleucia or enter the river Orontes and sail up to Antioch.

Recommended. That is, “commended,” “given over.” In sending forth Paul and Barnabas, the church at Antioch had given them over to the grace of God for guidance, protection, and sustenance in their labors. This grace had not failed them.

Which they fulfilled. Paul and Barnabas had been sent forth by the church at Antioch for the accomplishment of a specific task — the evangelization of Gentiles. Now they could return to their home congregation with the satisfaction that their commission was fulfilled. Though they had only begun their preaching to the heathen, yet what they had done was done well.

Attalia. On their way into the province the apostles apparently had gone straight from Paphos to Perga up the river Cestrus (see on ch. 13:13). On their return they made a detour that led them to Attalia, a port at the mouth of the river Catarrhactes. This city was built by Attalus II Philadelphus, king of Pergamum (159-138 B.C.). There is no record of any work done at Attalia, and the apostles probably went to it only as a port where they could board ship for Syria. See Paul’s First Missionary Tour.