19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
The Return to Antioch in Syria
21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
Acts 14:22-23
The story of Paul and Barnabas being in Lystra shows the fickleness of mens' hearts. P & B were claimed as Greek gods by the masses, but a few Jews from different regions corrected them and turned their beliefs on P & B. Paul never claimed to be God, but only mere humans. Regardless these two were dragged outside and stoned, only to return shortly after stopping by another city. No fear.
Paul understood what it meant to suffer for Christ. I'm sure he felt every stone being thrown at him whether it broke bones or not, Paul persevered for the sake of advancing the gospel. If hardships indicate living for Christ, I have definitely been a fan rather than a follower. I most likely would have avoided Lystra, as if I even stepped foot in that city, it would have been certain death. Paul and Barnabas knew that power came from God and had 100% faith that He was walking with them. No doubt came to their mind that they would be taken away. I have to remember that my life is ending only when God allows it. Not sooner or later. If I am to do God's work, I must do it without fear.
A great litmus test is to see if I am suffering in Christ name. Right now I feel like life is too easy and I'm too focus on myself.
Jesus, help me to see the bigger picture. Help me to give up my own agendas and live for you without abandon. Forgive me Jesus for not having 100% faith in you. More than none, I live for myself and you are the last thing on my mind. I pray you help me ingrain myself in you.
In Jesus Name
Amen.
Acts 14:22-23
The story of Paul and Barnabas being in Lystra shows the fickleness of mens' hearts. P & B were claimed as Greek gods by the masses, but a few Jews from different regions corrected them and turned their beliefs on P & B. Paul never claimed to be God, but only mere humans. Regardless these two were dragged outside and stoned, only to return shortly after stopping by another city. No fear.
Paul understood what it meant to suffer for Christ. I'm sure he felt every stone being thrown at him whether it broke bones or not, Paul persevered for the sake of advancing the gospel. If hardships indicate living for Christ, I have definitely been a fan rather than a follower. I most likely would have avoided Lystra, as if I even stepped foot in that city, it would have been certain death. Paul and Barnabas knew that power came from God and had 100% faith that He was walking with them. No doubt came to their mind that they would be taken away. I have to remember that my life is ending only when God allows it. Not sooner or later. If I am to do God's work, I must do it without fear.
A great litmus test is to see if I am suffering in Christ name. Right now I feel like life is too easy and I'm too focus on myself.
Jesus, help me to see the bigger picture. Help me to give up my own agendas and live for you without abandon. Forgive me Jesus for not having 100% faith in you. More than none, I live for myself and you are the last thing on my mind. I pray you help me ingrain myself in you.
In Jesus Name
Amen.
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