SCRIPTURE: ACTS 14
Bible Verses:
“Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” (Acts 14:15)
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” (Acts 14:22)
IN ICONIUM (vs. 17-7)
Paul and Barnabas spoke at the Jewish synagogue and a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. Paul and barnabas filled with the Holy Spirit speaking the message of his grace and enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. The people were divided. Some sided with the apostles while others mistrusted them and stoned them. So they fled Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and continued to preach the good news.
THE RETURN TO ANTIOCH AND SYRIA (vs. 21-28)
After they won a large number of disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch strengthening the disciples and encouraged them to remain true to the faith. They appointed elders in each church with prayer and fasting. They proceeded to Pisidian unto Pamphylia, Perga, Atalia and Antioch. Upon arrival, they reported all the works they had completed and how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed a long time with the disciples.
THOUGHTS:
This chapter records the completion of Paul’s first missionary journey. As missionaries, there are three important tasks to do:
- Suffer for Christ – Wherever the gospel is preached, there are some who believe and others who reject. Expect division and disturbances.
- Establish churches – Local church is needed to teach the word and encourage believers. Christian fellowship is important to win souls. Churches must appoint elders to govern the church.
- Report to home church – Missionaries must report to the home church of what God had done in their mission.