Acts 14 - Opposition Doesn’t Slow Down the Word
In this episode, we explore Acts 14, where Paul and Barnabas embark on a challenging journey to spread the gospel. Despite facing fierce opposition, they remain steadfast in their mission, performing miracles and establishing the early Church. We read about their experiences in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, highlighting their resilience and unwavering faith.
Preaching in Iconium: Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue in Iconium, where they preach with such conviction that both Jews and Greeks believe. However, their message also attracts opposition, with some attempting to turn the people against them. Despite this, the apostles boldly continue their work, performing signs and wonders to support their message.
Miracle in Lystra: In Lystra, Paul heals a man crippled from birth, leading the astonished crowd to believe that the apostles are gods in human form. This misunderstanding stems from local mythology, which causes the crowd to attempt to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. The apostles work hard to redirect their praise to the one true God, emphasizing their humanity.
Persecution and Persistence: The arrival of Jews from Antioch and Iconium escalates the situation, leading to Paul being stoned and left for dead. Yet, in a remarkable display of resilience, Paul survives, returns to the city, and continues his mission. This act of perseverance underscores the apostles’ dedication to their calling.
Establishing the Early Church: Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in the new Christian communities, ensuring that the fledgling Church has strong leadership. This step is crucial in establishing a firm foundation for the growing Christian movement.
Takeaways:
Faith Under Fire: Paul and Barnabas demonstrate that spreading the gospel often comes with challenges, but their example encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith.
The Power of Miracles: Miracles played a significant role in affirming the apostles’ message, showing that God’s power was at work among them.
Building the Church: Establishing strong leadership through the appointment of elders was vital for the growth and stability of the early Church.
Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8
Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows
Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod
https://twitter.com/schmern
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.
Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/
Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact permissions@faithlife.com. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.
By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.
