ACTS SERIES: PAUL’S FIRST RECORDED MIRACLE HEALING – CHAPTER 14

Acts 14 opens by sharing the success of Paul and Barnabus in ministering the gospel to the Jews and Greeks in Iconium; however, like what happened in Pisidian Antioch, the unbelieving Jews attempted to stir up opposition against them. Nevertheless, Paul and Barnabus were able to spend a reasonable amount of time there boldly preaching, accompanied with signs and wonders, until an opposing force of Jews with their leaders and Gentiles plotted to stone them. Receiving information on the plot, Paul and Barnabus left Iconium and continued their missionary journey to Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding area, sharing the Word.

In Lystra, a Roman colony which was located about twenty miles from Iconium, Paul began ministering in the marketplace where a man who was born cripple and never walked sat listening intently to him. Paul, perceiving that the man believed what he was saying, said to him, “Stand upright on thy feet,” and without hesitation, the man jumped up and walked.

When the town folks saw this first recorded miracle of Paul, they started shouting in their native dialect that Paul and Barnabus were the gods Jupiter and Mercurius. Furthermore, the Temple of Jupiter priest brought flowers and an ox to sacrifice for them, but when Paul and Barnabus realized what was happening, they vehemently ran into the crowd, tearing their clothing. Shouting, they said, “Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you.” Additionally, they continued to explain the need for them to discontinue their idolatry and accept the God that created the heavens and the earth, for He was the One who sent rain that produced their crop, which caused them happiness.

Unfortunately, the hostile Jews from Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra and stirred the people against Paul and Barnabus. Consequently, the people stoned Paul and, thinking he was dead, placed him outside of the city, but when the disciples gathered around him, Paul stood up and accompanied the disciples back into Lystra. The following day, Paul and Barnabus journeyed to Derbe, preached the gospel to many, and then returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. In these places, they exhorted the believers to continue in the faith, though they would experience tribulation. Plus, after praying and fasting, they ordained elders for the churches and commended them to the Lord for care and protection.

Once again, they continued their missionary journey through Pisidia, Pamphylia to Perga, where they ministered the Word, and then onto Attalia, where they caught a vessel back to Antioch. There, they were able to share their first missionary journey experience with the church leaders who commissioned them to go on the journey and share how God opened the way for the Gentiles to receive the gospel. Finally, having completed their assignment, Paul and Barnabus were able to spend time with the Antioch believers.

Here are the nuggets that I gained from chapter fourteen:

Haters will become jealous of your success.

The gospel is to be preached to both the Jews and the Gentiles.

Even in the face of opposition, speak courageously.

God will confirm the Word with signs and wonders.

The occurrences of miracles can bolster people’s faith.

When you are in danger, God will make a way to escape.

Allow the Spirit of discernment to assist you in ministry.

When people are not taught, they will attribute miracles to false gods.

Do not accept any of the glory that belongs to God.

Do not allow men to deify you.

Idolatry is unprofitable.

Worship should be made to the living God.

In this season, God is not tolerating idolatry.

The works of creation are a witness that there is a God.

God is man’s benefactor.

People will praise you one day and kill you the next.

Beware of fickle people.

God will protect you against the onslaught of the enemy.

Though men may try to kill you, the giver of life will protect you.

Encourage new converts to hold on to God.

Tribulation is part of the kingdom experience.

Churches need leadership to teach and guide them.

By prayer and fasting, commend your leaders to God.

Testify and share the things God has done for you,

There is a time to work and also a time to rest and be strengthened.