Introduction: Acts 14 outlines many of the missionary journeys Paul and Barnabas took while preaching the gospel. This chapter reveals the trials they faced, the miracles they performed, and the profound impact they had on the people where they preached. Their faith and resolve in the midst of opposition they faced, and it serves as an inspiration to all believers to keep on keeping on in year 2024.
I. Acts 14:1-7: Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News in the Jewish Synagogue in Iconium, resulting in both Jews and Greeks believing in Christ. However, opposition arose, prompting them to flee to Lystra and Derbe. This reminds us of Matthew 10:23, where Jesus instructs His disciples to flee to the next city when persecuted. It also points to the verse of Acts 13:46, where Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles after the Jews reject their message.
II. Acts 14:8-18: Healing of a Man in Lystra
Paul healed a man who was lame from birth, which led the people of Lystra to believe they were gods. This great miracle echoes the healing powers of Jesus shown in Mark 2:11-12. Paul and Barnabas rejected these divine accolades (the people thinking they were gods), drawing from Isaiah 42:8, which declares God as the only deserving of glory.
III. Acts 14:19-20: Paul is Stoned
Paul was stoned by the Jews from Antioch and Iconium because of the pride and envy in their hearts, he was left for dead, but he survived. This lines up with the verse in 2 Corinthians 11:25, where Paul recounts the hardships he faced for the Gospel. It also can be tied to Matthew 5:11-12, where Jesus predicts the persecution believers will face, and btw, they still face in our society today.
IV. Acts 14:21-23: Return to Antioch
Despite the hostility, Paul and Barnabas continued their mission, strengthening and encouraging believers and appointing elders in every church. This act reminds us of Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commissions the disciples to make disciples of all nations, and 1 Timothy 3:2-7, which outlines the qualifications of elders in the church.
V. Acts 14:24-28: Report to the Church in Antioch
Paul and Barnabas reported back to their home church in Antioch, sharing the news about the grace of God and how He opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. These verses bring to mind 1 Thessalonians 1:9, where Paul praises the Thessalonians for turning to God from idols, and Acts 13:2, where the Holy Spirit sets apart Paul and Barnabas for the work of evangelism.
Conclusion: Acts 14 gives an account of Paul and Barnabas’ missionary journey, filled with both triumphs and trials. Despite facing severe opposition, they remained committed to their mission. They performed miracles, established churches, and spread the good news of the gospel to the Gentiles. This chapter reminds us as believers of the power of faith, the importance of perseverance, and the transformative effect the Gospel of Jesus Christ has on peoples lives.
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