The end result of the “first missionary journey” was a giant step forward for the church, though in terms of the actual distance covered it was a more modest achievement. It took Barnabas and Paul to Cyprus and then through parts of Asia Minor. Luke has sometimes been accused of inventing the itinerary set out in this narrative, but this seems highly unlikely. First, it is hard to believe that he would have included the story of Mark’s defection if he had been giving free rein to his fancy. Second, most of the places visited were quite insignificant. If Luke had been inventing, he would surely have taken his heroes to more exciting locations. And third, some places are named where Luke mentions nothing happening—Seleucia, Perga, Attalia. One wonders why if they were not already part of th…