Welcome to Acts 14 here at afaithtalk.com, I’m so glad you’ve come. Today we’re at the mid point in Acts so the action is not letting up any. There will be acceptance and those who are in the opposition too. I’ve split it into two parts so it won’t take you long to read. Enjoy.
Let’s pray:
Lord Jesus, thank You for this book. Thank You for Paul and Barnabas and the church in Antioch and that You brought faith to so many that it reached us in these days. Thank You, Lord. Lead us today.
Please read Acts 14:1-6
Acceptance and Opposition
1 Now in Iconium Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue together and spoke in such a way [with such power and boldness] that a large number of Jews as well as Greeks believed [and confidently accepted Jesus as Savior]; 2 but the unbelieving Jews [who rejected Jesus as Messiah] stirred up and embittered the minds of the Gentiles against the [a]believers. 3 So Paul and Barnabas stayed for a long time, speaking boldly and confidently for the Lord, who continued to testify to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders (attesting miracles) be done by them.
4 But the people of the city were divided; some were siding with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5 When there was an attempt by both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their rulers, to shamefully mistreat and to stone them, 6 they, aware of the situation, escaped to Lystra and Derbe, [taking refuge in the] cities of Lycaonia, and the neighboring region; 7 and there they continued to preach the good news.
From what I can figure, Iconium is present day Konya and located in present day central Turkey. Lystra and Derbe are also in present day Turkey though likely not named quite the same. Derbe in fact was also known as Cappadocia.
But the world back then at least offered them the chance to preach and teach boldly and confidently about Jesus our Lord. That is until they had to escape due to horrific plans of the opposition.
Never fear though, they found refuge further inland.
Please read Acts 14:8-11
Signs and Wonders
8 Now at Lystra a man sat who was unable to use his feet, for he was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, and Paul looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed, 10 and said with a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet.” And he jumped up and began to walk. 11 And the crowds, when they saw what Paul had done, raised their voices, shouting in the [b]Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us [c]in human form!”
May we all have that kind of faith, the belief that reveals acceptance of Jesus as our Savior. Faith that is easy to see by someone else of faith. And always find a way to raise our voices in praise to the real God. Faith strong enough to endure opposition.
Footnotes
[a] believers – those who confidently accepted Jesus as Savior – Acts 14:2 Lit brethren.
[b] Lycaonian language – Acts 14:11 An ancient dialect no longer known.