Acts 14:1-7
1 In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a way that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brothers.
3 Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands.
4 But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, while others, with the apostles.
5 And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to treat them abusively and to stone them,
6 they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region;
7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.
Iconium (2)
Response to the sermon
“But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brothers.” (1) The same thing happened in Iconium as in Pisidian Antioch. The events that occurred in Antioch are recorded in Acts 13:49-50: “And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region.” (2) In Iconium, there were also many unbelieving Jews. They “stirred up” or incited the Gentiles. They drove a wedge between the believers and the Gentiles. As a result, Paul and Barnabas once again found themselves in a critical situation. “Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands.” (1) Let’s focus on the word “therefore” (men oun). It implies that as a result of persecution, they were able to further evangelize. Indeed, persecution was an opportunity for evangelism. Paul and Barnabas felt a strong response to their preaching, even in the midst of the persecution (ref. 1 Cor. 16:8-9). (2) The two “spent a long time there.” This was likely around six months. They were “speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord.” This phrase is best understood as “speaking boldly as representatives of Christ.” Boldness arises when one is conscious of being an agent of the Lord. (3) The Lord was “testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands.” (a) The Lord blessed His faithful servants. (b) “Signs” and “wonders” describe the same works from two different perspectives. “Signs” validated the message that the apostles spoke. “Wonders” inspired awe in those who witnessed them. (4) “Testifying to the word of His grace.” The content of Paul’s preaching was the grace of God. It remains true today that we are saved by grace and faith and set free from the bondage of sin (ref. Gal. 3:4-5). Instead of being swayed by different teachings, let us continue to stand firm in this simple gospel message.
Today's prayer
Father God, I have learned that persecution is an opportunity for evangelism. Please help me stand firm in the simple gospel message. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.