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Scripture reading – Acts 14

 

Preaching the Gospel in Iconium (Acts 14:1-7)

Paul and Barnabas continued their missionary journey from Antioch in Pisidia to Iconium (approximately 120 miles). As they spoke in the synagogue, “a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed” (Acts 14:1).  

Isn’t it interesting how the same message that convicted and moved Jews and Gentiles to repent and believe stirred up others to reject and persecute Paul and Barnabas? (Acts 14:2). Despite the opposition, those men persevered and remained in Iconium “a long time…[and] speaking boldly in the Lord…gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders [miracles] to be done by their hands” (Acts 14:3).

Yet, “the city was divided.” Some followed the Jews who opposed the Gospel. Others believed the apostles (Acts 14:4). The opposition was so significant that some were determined “to stone them” (Acts 14:5) and forced Paul and Barnabas to flee Iconium. Undeterred, when they arrived in “Lystra and Derbe,” they “preached the gospel” (Acts 14:6-7).

A Crippled Healed

A Crippled Healed (Acts 14:8-17) 

In Lystra, Paul met a man “being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked” (Acts 14:8). Paul, seeing that the man “had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked” (Acts 14:9-10). “When the people of Lystra saw what Paul had done,” they began praising Paul and Barnabas as gods (Acts 14:11-12). Indeed, even the “priest of Jupiter” came and would have offered the apostles sacrifices had they not protested and said, we “are men of like passions with you” (Acts 14:15).

Denouncing their attempt to worship them, Paul and Barnabas asked, “Why do ye these things?” (Acts 14:15) Paul then declared that the true God had made Himself known in creation: “The living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein… left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:15, 17).

Tenacious Violent Enemies

Tenacious Violent Enemies (Acts 14:19-21)

Paul’s enemies traveled 120 miles from Antioch and Iconium to Lystra. They stirred up the people who “stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead” (Acts 14:19). Left for dead, Paul regained consciousness, “rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe” (Acts 14:20).

 

Paul and Barnabas’ Report to Antioch (Acts 14:21-28)

Bold, courageous, and Spirit-filled, Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities where they preached earlier (Acts 14:20-21). They instructed “the souls of the disciples.” They encouraged “them to continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22). Fulfilling the pattern we follow today, Paul and Barnabas arrived in Antioch (of Syria) and “rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles” (Acts 14:21). 

Tired and weary, Paul and Barnabas “abode a long time with the disciples” [i.e., believers] in Antioch (Acts 14:28).

Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith 

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