Paul and Barnabas, the first missionaries, are sent to share Christ—crucified, risen, offering salvation through faith. They preach in synagogues; some believe, but the cost rises fast. Jealous Jewish leaders stir up crowds, expelling them. In Iconium, stoning threats drive them to Derbe and Lystra. There, God heals a crippled man—he walks!—yet the people call them gods. They plead, “Worship God alone!” Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium turn the mob.
Acts 14:19-20 (CSB)
“Some Jews… won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out… thinking he was dead. After the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went into the town…”
Can you believe this? Paul’s stoned—maybe dead!—yet gets up and returns to that very town! Incredible courage.
Acts 14:21-22 (CSB)
“After they… preached… and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples… telling them, ‘It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.’”
Amazing—they revisit places of threats and stoning to encourage believers, living proof of their words. They’d lay down their lives to share Jesus with Jew and Gentile, knowing the cost could be everything. It reminds us this life isn’t all—eternal life with God is worth any persecution for following and sharing His love.
Acts 14:27 (CSB)
“After they… gathered the church… they reported everything God had done with them and… opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”
May we take their words to heart, see their sacrifice, and trust God’s work through us. Father, strengthen us to live for you, and to share Christ, whatever the cost.
