Acts 14:1-28
Q.1. How did God assist Paul and Barnabas to preach the gospel? What was the response like? Why did the evangelists leave for other cities? – (Acts 14:1-7)
Paul and Barnabas spoke convincingly in the synagogue, and large numbers of both Jews and Greeks came to Christ. So – 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 done by their hands (Acts 14:3). However, some Jews undermined their ministry. The city was divided, and threats were made against them. Paul and Barnabas had to flee to the surrounding cities where – … they continued to preach the gospel (Acts 14:7). Not even signs and wonders convinced the people of Iconium.
Q.2. How did God demonstrate His power at Lystra? Did the healing help Paul and Barnabas in bringing the Gospel? Why? – (Acts 14:8-18)
The people of Lystra worshipped the pagan gods Zeus and Hermes (Acts 14:12-13). There was a lame man who had never walked, whom Paul healed (Acts 14:8-10). The sensationalized crowds cried out – … The gods have become like men and have come down to us (Acts 14:11). They even wanted to make sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, who found it hard to restrain this. Sadly, the healing took the focus from the Gospel. (Acts 14:13-18).
Q.3. What was the response to the Gospel? What miracle happened at Lystra? Why did they return to the cities that rejected them? – (Acts 14:19-22)
The adulation of the people of Lystra was short lived. Persuaded by their enemies from Antioch and Iconium – … they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead (Acts 14:19). However, an amazing miracle took place – while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe (Acts 14:20). Some understand that Paul referred to this incident when writing to the Corinthians – I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago–whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows–such a man was caught up to the third heaven (2 Cor.12:2 c.f. 2 Cor.12:1-6). From Derbe, Paul and Barnabas returned to preach the Gospel to the very cities that had abused them (Acts 14:21-22).
Q.4. What follow-up did Paul and Barnabas give? How did they strengthen the churches? What did they do upon their return to Antioch? – (Acts 14:22-28)
The Gospel was based on the Old Testament Scripture, and needed clear explanation, lest they return to a religion of works (c.f. Acts 15:1). The converts needed encouragement to keep them faithful, amid opposition. Their follow-up was enlightening. They were – strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”(Acts 14:22). People who are not prepared to suffer ridicule and persecution for Christ, will not last long. In their haste to escape, the church planters had been unable to form a church, so upon their return – When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed (Acts 14:23). For the church to survive, there needed to be recognized leaders. Later, they returned to the church at Antioch that had commissioned and prayed for them. They reported – … all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27). Antioch was able to enjoy the fruits of their combined labours (c.f. 1 Sam.30:23-25).