The Ministry Continues Along with Persecution

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 14:1-28

 

Acts 14:3-4

Therefore, they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

⁴ But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

(NKJV)

 

The Church, like any other human-run organization, can lose sight of its mission and how it became successful. In addition, new technologies can emerge that increase effectiveness and outreach but can become a distraction if depended on instead of depending upon God and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church in the Book of Acts turned its world upside down (Acts 17:6) without modern technology by depending upon God. Today’s church must do the same for revival to come.

 

This passage begins with Paul and Barnabas arriving at Iconium and going into the synagogue, speaking to a multitude of Jews and Greeks who came to believe (Acts 14:1). However, a group of unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, poisoning their minds against the brethren (Acts 14:2). This does not deter Paul and Barnabas who stay and speak boldly in the Lord who bore witness to the word of grace through signs and wonders done by their hands (Acts 14:3). This led to a multitude of the city becoming divided with some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles, turning to a violent attempt to abuse and stone Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:4-5). They became aware of this plot and fled to Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region and preached the gospel there (Acts 14:6-7).

 

In Lystra, they met a man crippled from birth who was intently listening to Paul, with Paul observing he had faith to be healed (Acts 14:8-9). Paul then spoke to the man and, in a loud voice, told him to stand up on his feet, which he did (Acts 14:10). The people, seeing this, raised their voices and said the gods had come down in the likeness of men, calling Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes because he was the messenger (Acts 14:11-12). This led to the priests of Zeus, from the temple in front of the city, bringing oxen and garlands, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes (Acts 14:13). Not wanting to be the object of worship, Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes and tell the people stop for they are men just like them, preaching to stop worshipping their gods and to worship God the creator (Acts 14:14-15). Even though God has allowed all nations to walk in their own ways, He still provides good for them through rain, fruitful seasons, and hearts full of food and gladness (Acts 14:16-17). However, this did not restrain the multitude from sacrificing to them (Acts 14:18).

 

Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the multitudes to stone Paul and drag him out of the city, supposing him to be dead (Acts 14:19). The disciples then gathered around Paul, and he arose, with him and Barnabas departing for Derbe the next day (Acts 14:20). After preaching the gospel in Derbe, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples in the faith, reminding them they must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:21-22). They then appointed elders in every church and with praying and fasting, commended them to the Lord (Acts 14:23). After passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia and, after preaching the word in Perga, went down to Attalia, where they sailed to Antioch, the place where they were commended by God’s grace for the work they were called to complete (Acts 14:24-26). They then gathered the church together and reported how the Lord had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, remaining there a long time with the disciples (Acts 14:27-28).

 

Paul and Barnabas, out of obedience to God, have embarked on the work God has commissioned them to do. They experience much success, with many coming to believe, but they also endured much tribulation on the way. While many Jews and Greeks came to believe in Iconium, the enemy brought deception that poisoned their minds, bringing division in the city. In Lystra, the miracles done through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas were seen as their pagan gods coming to them, with the people planning to worship Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes. Even at the urging of Paul, the people insisted on worshipping them, opening the door for Jews from Antioch to persuade them to stone Paul and leave him for dead. However, God was not done with Paul, and he rose up and departed for Derbe with Barnabas. Despite all this, Paul and Barnabas returned to the church in Antioch with a good report and stayed there to be refreshed.

 

The mission of the Church today remains the same, but unlike Paul and Barnabas, the modern church has tools available like the internet, live streaming of church services, and social media. While these are useful and powerful tools, the mission remains the same. The Book of Acts reminds us of how effective the church can be, even without the modern tools the church now has available, turning their world upside down (Acts 17:6). While these modern tools can increase church outreach, we must not lose sight of the church mission to take the Gospel to the world like the church did in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). I pray we do not rely on the tools provided by modern technology and remember to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4; John 7:37-39).

 

In obedience to the mission of the church, I want to reach out to anyone reading this who has not prayed to accept the gift of salvation offered by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you truly believe in your heart that Jesus came and died for your sins, was buried for three days in a tomb, and resurrected from the dead three days later, you can be saved. I urge you to pray with me now to confess that belief.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.