What marked the end of Paul's first missionary journey?

• A. He preached in Jerusalem.
• B. He sailed to Rome.
• C. He wrote his first letter.
• D. He returned to Antioch after preaching the gospel and ordaining elders in every church.

Answer: (D)

The main idea being tested is how Luke records the end of Paul’s first missionary journey. After traveling and preaching in the regions around Syria and Asia Minor, Paul and his companions return to Antioch in Syria to report to the church there. They also appoint elders in each church they planted, signaling the establishment and stability of these new congregations. This combination—returning to Antioch and reporting after ordaining elders in every church—best marks the completion of that first journey. The other options don’t fit this closing picture: Jerusalem isn’t the journey’s end, a voyage to Rome isn’t part of the first trip, and writing a letter comes later and isn’t the event that closes the journey.