But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
In Acts 14:19-23, we witness a powerful demonstration of faithfulness amidst adversity. To say life was hard for the apostles, is an understatement of epic proportion. Time and again the apostle Paul faces persecution, stoning, and other horrible treatment for his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. Yet, instead of retreating in fear, he persists in his mission, returning to the very places where he had encountered rejection. This passage offers profound insights into enduring faith and perseverance in the face of extreme challenges.
Exegesis:
In Acts 14:19-23, we see the aftermath of Paul’s preaching in Lystra. Despite performing miracles and proclaiming the Gospel, Paul is stoned by the crowds, who were stirred up by Jewish leaders opposed to his message. Miraculously, Paul survives and is carried outside the city. Remarkably, instead of giving in to despair or seeking revenge, Paul returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the believers and encouraging them to persevere in their faith amidst trials. Can we even imagine this strong faith? Would we risk going back to the very places where we had been abused or would we apply the passage of shaking the dust off our feet? To understand Paul’s actions we must understand that he was filled with and led by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. His devotion to his mission and the calling of the Lord to go and proclaim the Gospel was the deepest conviction of his life.
Life Application:
- Courage in the Face of Opposition: Paul’s response teaches us the importance of courageously standing firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition or persecution. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” This assurance encourages believers to trust in God’s strength to sustain them in challenging times.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Despite being stoned and rejected, Paul chooses forgiveness over bitterness. His return to the very places where he suffered demonstrates a spirit of reconciliation and love. As believers, we are called to emulate Christ’s example of forgiveness. In Ephesians 4:32, we are exhorted to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Jesus’ words echo through time “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
- Perseverance in Mission: Paul’s resilience reminds us of the importance of perseverance in our mission to spread the Gospel. Despite facing setbacks and hardships, he continues to proclaim Christ boldly. In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, for “in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” This verse inspires us to persevere in sharing the good news, trusting in God’s faithfulness.
- Community and Support: Paul’s return to strengthen the believers highlights the significance of community and support in times of trial. As believers, we are called to come alongside one another, offering encouragement, prayer, and practical support. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are urged to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” The bond of Christian fellowship provides strength and comfort amidst adversity.
Acts 14:19-23 presents a compelling portrait of faithfulness and perseverance in the face of adversity. Paul’s response to persecution challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we respond to trials and opposition. As we navigate the challenges of following Christ in a world opposed to his message, may we draw inspiration from Paul’s example, trusting in God’s grace to sustain us and empower us to persevere until the end. What will we do when it gets hard? B
