Monday, February 25, 2019
Acts 14:1-6 (NIV84) At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country.
PAUL'S WORK AT ICONIUM
Iconium: "A great company believed, both of Jews and Greeks." The gates of hell cannot prevail against the onward movement of the Word (Matthew 16:18). God's kingdom expands no matter what. Due to the rising opposition Paul and Barnabas "remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord." When you first read this you might say that it is unfortunate. But no it is not! It means the Word was spoken in more detail. And one never knows what later the Word would do to the hearers.
When the missionaries flee, it might appear to be a defeat. But no it is not! They went on to the cities of Lycaonia and "there they preached the gospel." Throughout history the persecution has not stopped the Gospel heralding. And those who died for their witness gave encouragement in their death to those who continued. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).
