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 (3)
Outbreak of persecution
“But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, while others, with the apostles.” (1) The city was ultimately divided. This is a sign that the preaching of Paul and Barnabas was effective. The gospel divides its hearers into those who follow the light and those who remain in darkness (ref. Matt. 10:34). (2) The Gentiles were also divided. Some sided with the unbelieving Jews, while others sided with the apostles. “And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to treat them abusively and to stone them…” (1) Persecution finally reached a critical point. Unbelieving Gentiles, unbelieving Jews, and the synagogue rabbis united in their persecution of Paul and Barnabas. (2) They sought to stone the apostles. The instigators of this persecution were the Jews because stoning is a Jewish form of punishment that would not have been considered by anyone other than Jews. “They became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; and there they continued to preach the gospel.” (1) Leaving Iconium was a wise decision. While persecution can be an opportunity for evangelism, when it reaches a dangerous level, it is wise to seek safety. (2) Paul and Barnabas moved to another part of the region of Galatia: “the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe, and the surrounding region.” In other words, they moved to the central part of Asia Minor. (3) There, they continued to preach the gospel. (a) Their passion for evangelism did not wane. (b) How should one discern the timing to stay or to flee? Ultimately, it is by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The definition of apostle
(1) In Acts 14:4, Paul and Barnabas are referred to as “apostles.” This means they belong to a second group of apostles, apart from the original Twelve. (2) The qualifications for being an apostle include having met the risen Lord (1 Cor. 9:1) and being appointed and sent out by the Lord. The evidence of this calling is seen in the “signs” and “wonders” that the Lord performs through them. 2 Corinthians 12:12 states, “The distinguishing marks of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs, wonders, and miracles.” (3) Incidentally, in the New Testament, there are no examples of ordinary believers performing “signs” and “wonders.” (4) In recent years, the teaching of the restoration of apostleship has been spreading, but this teaching is not biblical. The qualification for being an apostle is having met the risen Lord
Today's prayer
Father God, when facing trials, please guide me by the Spirit to discern correctly whether to stay or to seek safety. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.