In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas embark on an adventurous mission, encountering both ecstatic crowds and furious opposition. Their journey is filled with miracles and heartache, showcasing the highs and lows of spreading hope.
The Reading: Acts 14
World English Bible1 In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
>
2 But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers.
>
3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified 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.
>
5 When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them,
>
6 they became aware of it, and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region.
>
7 There they preached the Good News.
>
8 At Lystra a certain man sat, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked.
>
9 He was listening to Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes on him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,
>
10 said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” He leaped up and walked.
>
11 When the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”
>
12 They called Barnabas “Jupiter”, and Paul “Mercury”, because he was the chief speaker.
>
13 The priest of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have made a sacrifice along with the multitudes.
>
14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes, and sprang into the multitude, crying out,
>
15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
>
16 who in the generations gone by allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.
>
17 Yet he didn’t leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
>
18 Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them.
>
19 But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
>
20 But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe.
>
21 When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
>
22 confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom.
>
23 When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
>
24 They passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.
>
25 When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
>
26 From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.
>
27 When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations.
>
28 They stayed there with the disciples for a long time.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Entering Iconium
Paul and Barnabas arrive in Iconium and head straight to the local synagogue (a Jewish meeting place) where they speak passionately about their faith. Their message resonates with many, leading both Jews and Greeks to believe in their teachings. However, not everyone is on board; some Jewish leaders stir up resentment against them.
Signs and Wonders
Despite the growing tension, Paul and Barnabas continue to preach boldly, and God blesses their efforts with miraculous signs. Yet, the city becomes divided, with some supporting the apostles and others siding with the disbelieving Jews.
Quick Escape
Things take a dangerous turn when a mob threatens to harm them, prompting Paul and Barnabas to flee to nearby cities like Lystra and Derbe. Here, they continue sharing the Good News, and a remarkable miracle occurs: a crippled man, who had never walked, is healed after Paul notices his faith and commands him to stand up. The onlookers are so amazed that they mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods, calling Paul 'Mercury' and Barnabas 'Jupiter'.
A Serious Misunderstanding
The local priest even tries to offer sacrifices to them! Paul and Barnabas scramble to correct this misunderstanding, insisting they are mere humans spreading the truth about the living God. Despite their efforts, the crowd is hard to sway.
Paul's Trial
However, trouble looms again as some dissenting Jews from Iconium find them. They incite the crowd against Paul, leading to him being stoned and left for dead outside the city. Miraculously, he revives and heads back into the city the next day, showing remarkable resilience.
Strengthening the Believers
After preaching in Derbe, they return to the cities they had fled from, encouraging the new believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials. They establish leaders in these communities and pray for them, committing them to the guidance of God. The chapter concludes with Paul and Barnabas returning to Antioch, where they share the incredible things God has done through them, revealing how faith has begun to spread to the Gentiles.
Why It Matters
Perseverance in Faith
Acts 14 teaches us the importance of perseverance. Paul and Barnabas faced serious challenges but didn't let fear deter their mission. Instead, they continued to spread hope and truth, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith despite hardships.
The Power of Miracles
The miraculous healing in Lystra demonstrates the power of faith - not just of the one healed but of those who believe and act on their faith. It serves as a reminder that faith can lead to transformative change.
Understanding Human Fallibility
Paul and Barnabas' experience with mistaken identity reminds us that even the best intentions can lead to misunderstandings. It's crucial to remain humble and redirect praise and worship to where it truly belongs - toward God.
If you're looking for a church community to explore and deepen your faith, find a church near you using Sancta. It's a great way to connect with others who are on a similar journey.
Community and Leadership
The importance of community leadership is vital in faith. Paul and Barnabas appoint elders to guide the new believers, highlighting that a supportive structure is essential for growth and continuity in faith.
Coming Up Next: Acts 15
In the next part of the journey, Acts 15, we encounter a pivotal moment in the early church as leaders gather to address conflicts about faith practices. Don't miss how this meeting shapes the future of believers everywhere!