Read Acts 14.
Jesus said, in Acts 1:8 "...and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and
in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." This verse
provides a broad outline of the book of Acts. In chapters 1-7, the
ministry took place in the city of Jerusalem. In chapters 8-12, largely
due to persecution, the ministry expanded to the provinces of Judea and
Samaria. From chapter 13 on, the primary geographical focus is on
spreading the Gospel to new territories. The account in chapters 13-14 is
commonly referred to as the first missionary journey.
In verse 4, they are called "apostles." This is in the
dictionary sense of the word: "a delegate" or one who is sent.
They had been sent by the church at Antioch and in verses 26-28, they
reported back to that congregation. Paul and Barnabas taught Jews in the
synagogues and sought opportunities to preach to Gentiles. But when
"a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed" (v.1), Satan
intensified the spiritual war. The opposition was so great they were
forced to move on.
At Lystra, Paul healed a lame man. The response from those who believed
in the myth of celestial deities, wrongly interpreted the true power of God.
Seizing the opportunity, Paul urged them to "turn from these vain
things to a living God." In verses 15-17, he presented God as the
Creator of all things, the One who blessed them with common grace, who had been
trying to get their attention ("witness" see Romans 1), who is the
source of their food, and provides the ability to enjoy this life with
fulfillment and joy. With that they stoned Paul and left him for dead.
Miraculously, Paul revived and continued the ministry. He even went
right back to the city that stoned him (v.21).
This flies right into the face of those who propagate the health and wealth
gospel. "Receive Jesus, think good thoughts, and everything will go
well." The Scriptures dispel that false teaching quickly.
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted." It is not something we go looking for and certainly is
not to be the result of any offensive behavior on our part. A commitment
to Jesus first causes one to live differently than others. This
difference is not always welcomed by unbelievers. Second, the message of
Jesus presents an either-or decision. Unbelievers may condemn such a
message as narrow-minded and an affront to their made-up beliefs.
How could Paul and Barnabas leave new followers of Christ in this territory?
What would they say and do? In verses 22-23, they did five things
that would sustain the ministry.
1. They strengthened their souls. Surely, these events shook the faith of
these new believers. Nothing will reestablish, confirm and strengthen our
faith like the Scriptures. Our confidence is not in our circumstances but
the unchanging Word of God. It is our only offensive weapon in this
spiritual war (Ephesians 6:17).
2. They encouraged their faith. Speaking words of comfort, they urged
them to be faithful no matter what happens.
3. They reminded them of persecution. Trouble, anguish, and opposition
because of our faith is to be expected. It comes with being a part of a
different kingdom than the one of this world. We live in enemy territory.
4. They appointed leaders. This was an official recognition of some
spiritual men who could continue reaching the lost and ministering to these new
followers of Christ.
5. They prayed and fasted. Keeping our eyes on Jesus is the key to
endurance (Hebrews 11:2)
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