Welcome to Acts 14

Acts 14 continues the account of Paul and Barnabas's inaugural missionary journey, vividly portraying the dynamic interplay between the powerful advance of The Great Commission, miraculous displays of The Holy Spirit's Role, and the relentless Christianity Accepted and Opposed. The apostles arrive in Iconium, where they again preach Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel in the Jewish synagogue, leading to a large number of both Jews and Greeks believing. However, as became characteristic of their ministry, unbelieving Jews stir up the Gentiles and poison their minds against the brethren, leading to a prolonged stay filled with bold proclamation and confirming signs and wonders performed by the Lord. This period of both widespread acceptance and growing opposition foreshadows the pattern of their future ministry.

Driven out by a plot to stone them, Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia. In Lystra, Paul encounters a man lame from birth. Recognizing the man's faith, Paul commands him to stand, and the man is miraculously healed. This stunning display of The Holy Spirit's Role through healing leads the local populace, steeped in paganism, to mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods (Zeus and Hermes), attempting to offer sacrifices to them. The apostles vigorously reject this idolatry, seizing the opportunity to proclaim Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel, directing the people to the living God, the Creator of all things, and inviting them to turn from their futile ways. This incident underscores the cultural and theological chasm the Great Commission was bridging.

Despite their clear message, Jewish opponents from Antioch and Iconium soon arrive in Lystra, inciting the crowds. Paul is stoned, dragged outside the city, and presumed dead. Yet, by God's providence, and through The Holy Spirit's Role, he revives and enters the city, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of extreme Christianity Accepted and Opposed. The next day, he and Barnabas depart for Derbe, where they continue to preach the Gospel and make many disciples. Their return journey involves revisiting Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch, "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). They appoint elders in every church, establishing leadership and demonstrating the foundational principles of Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT through structured church planting. The chapter concludes with their triumphant return to Antioch in Syria, where they assemble the church and report all that God had done through them, and how He had "opened a door of faith to the Gentiles," a powerful testament to the ongoing fulfillment of The Great Commission.