Read Acts 14
Acts 14 continues the description of Paul’s first
missionary journey, accompanied by Barnabas. In Iconium Paul and Barnabas
continued their practice of first going to preach the gospel in the Jewish
synagogue (v. 1). The people of Iconoium were divided (v. 4). While many
believed in the message of Jesus, others stirred up dissension (v. 5). However,
Paul and Barnabas were able to escape before their opponents carried out their plans
to hurt them (v. 6). From Iconium, they moved to Lystra and Derbe to preach the
good news (v. 6-7). There the Holy Spirit used Paul to heal a man who had been
crippled from birth (v. 8-10). The crowds were stirred up and declared that
Paul and Barnabas were actually Greek gods who had come in human form (v.
11-13). Paul immediately denied the crowd’s claims and pushed them to put their
faith in the Living God (v. 14-17). Even with Paul and Barnabas adamantly
opposing them, the crowds still tried to worship them as gods (v. 18). Some
Jews from Antioch heard what was happening and convinced the crowd to stone
Paul and leave him for dead (v. 19). This wasn’t the end for Paul. He got up
and left with Barnabas (v. 20). From Lystra they went to Derbe, and then returned
to various towns to disciple believers and strengthen churches (v. 20-25). Paul
and Barnabas ended their missionary journey in Antioch, where they reported on
all that had happened and stayed a long time with the disciples (v. 26-28).
Journaling
and Prayer
1. Paul and Barnabas lived out their teaching that
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (v. 22). This
statement does not mean that overt persecution is a requirement for salvation.
Paul is teaching here that we must be willing to undergo anything that comes
our way without abandoning our faith in Jesus. Think over difficulties in your
life. Have they brought you closer to God by allowing you to experience His
strength and provision? Or have you allowed seeds of doubt and distrust from
these situations lead you away from Him? Ask God what He wants to teach you
about Himself through times of trial.
2. The Holy Spirit strengthened Paul and Barnabas
to continue to their missionary journey even in the face of severe opposition.
Often when believers set out to follow God’s plans they experience resistance.
Ask God what His plans for you in your current season are. Ask Him to show you
how to persevere through His strength.
3. Spend some time praying for your family today.
Think of the lessons you’ve learned in Acts and pray these over the individual
members of your family. For example, you can pray that they would become people
of great faith, boldness and perseverance.
