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^24 “Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. ²⁵ And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, ²⁶ and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. ²⁷ And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ And they remained no little time with the disciples” (Acts 14:24–28).

Paul and Barnabas continued their journey back home by revisiting the churches God began through their preaching of the Gospel. They returned to Pisdia Antioch and then came back to Pamphylia. From there they continued to travel south to both Perga and Attalia.

Paul and Barnabas then sailed back home to Syrian Antioch. It was there that the church had commissioned the two of them to undertake their missionary journey. It was to this church that the two missionaries returned.

When Paul and Barnabas arrived in the city, they gathered the church together and gave a missions report. They told the church all that God had done through them and with them. They related how God had opened an entrance of faith to the Gentiles. They then remained with the believers in Antioch for some time.

It is interesting to me that God’s work through missionaries has not changed all that much in 2,000 years. A church, or churches, sends a missionary into the foreign field. The individual ministers there for a period of time. They then return to their sending churches to give a report of God’s work through them and with them.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Thus ends the first missionary journey which lasted between one and two years and in which Paul and Barnabas traversed more than 700 miles by land and 500 miles by sea. But more than that, it demolished the wall between Jews and Gentiles (cf. Eph. 2:14–16). The two apostles had been committed by the church at Antioch to God’s grace (cf. Acts 15:40) and they saw His grace at work (cf. “grace” in 13:43; 14:3). Probably Paul wrote the Book of Galatians from Antioch shortly after his first missionary journey and before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).”

Take some time today to pray for missionaries you know and of which your local church financially supports.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

²¹ When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, ²² 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. ²³ 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.” (Acts 14:21–23)

Paul and Barnabas remained undaunted in their vision and quest to spread and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Leaving Lystra, they journeyed 40 mile southeast to the city of Derbe. When they arrived, they preached the gospel and saw many individuals repent of their sins and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

After an unspecified period of time, the two evangelists left Derbe and returned to their previous church plants in the cities of Lystra, Iconium and Pisdian Antioch. There was no hesitancy on their part to do so, in spite of the persecution they previously encountered.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “For reasons Luke does not disclose, they (Paul and Barnabas) decide to end their missionary journey and retrace their steps through Lystra, Iconium and Pisidian Antioch. This is a demonstration of great boldness on their part, but it also enables them to serve as examples for the believers; they’re not giving up their work in the face of persecution and neither should the new Christians.”

Their motivation to return to these newly established congregations was born out of a pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of these new converts. Acts 14:22 summarizes Paul and Barnabas’ intentions; “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.”

 Luke also records the leadership structure of these new churches. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders (πρεσβυτέρους; presbyterous) or mature, spiritual leaders. This was in keeping with the pattern developed in establishing churches (Acts 11:30). These elders were men who would watch over the new congregations by preaching and teaching the Word of God.

Following a time of prayer and fasting, Paul and Barnabas committed these men to the Lord. Luke records that these elders were trustworthy, dependable, committed and honorable men.

Do you view the elders of your church in much the same way? Do you see the elders of your church as a blessing in your life? I know that I view the elders of the church of which I am a member in such a way. I trust you have the same perspective concerning those leaders of your church.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^19 “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. ²⁰ 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.” (Acts 14:19–20)

It is within the overall context of Paul and Barnabas’ experience in Lystra that we see their high view of God. They may not say everything they could say about God, but what they do say is significant. Their Theology Proper, the Doctrine of God, is clearly displayed.

Paul and Barnabas acknowledged God as the only creator, who is living, who made the heavens the earth and the sea and all that is in them. God has also revealed Himself in His creation (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-21). He is the gracious God who gives rain, fruitful seasons, food and gladness; both to the saint and to the sinner (Mathew 5:45).

Paul and Barnabas would not accept any praise or worship. They understood that the only One worthy of worship and praise is God (I Chronicles 16:8-36).

However, people are not easily dissuaded, deterred or discouraged from what they want to do. If and when people are prevented from receiving from their objects of worship and praise that which they desire, or they don’t like what they receive from their objects of worship and praise, they will quickly turn against said object. Perhaps, they may even attack their object of worship and praise.

Such was the response by the people of Lystra when Paul and Barnabas would not accept their worship and praise. This rejection was instigated by the unbelieving Jews from both Pisidian Antioch and Iconium. They persuaded the Lystran crowd, who in turn stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city. They thought they had killed him.

The IVP Background Commentary provides us with valuable insight. “The visitors from Antioch had no legal authority outside their own territory, but they are able to persuade the mob to accomplish what had failed in Iconium (14:5–6). A mob could change its views quickly (cf. Lk 23:18), especially in a case like this one: when Paul and Barnabas deny the gods, they would be considered impious and hence would appear to fit a different category of ancient paganism: they were not gods after all, but dangerous magicians.”

However, when the disciples gathered around Paul’s seemingly dead body, he got up and reentered the city. The following day, both he and Barnabas left Lystra and travelled to the city of Derbe.

“Antioch was nearly a hundred miles from Lystra by road, but it is known that the cities were in contact with each other, considering themselves sister cities. See Acts 7:58 for details on Jewish stoning, but stoning was also the most common form of urban mob violence in the Gentile world. Stones, tiles and cobbles were readily available in ancient streets. When Jewish crowds stoned a transgressor, they sought the transgressor’s death; Paul’s survival undoubtedly points to divine protection. Normally such executions were performed outside the city, and they may have dragged him out of the city for purity reasons; that he not only survived but could walk afterward must be understood as miraculous.”

 Paul and Barnabas were undeterred in their desire to share the Gospel and to serve God. The violent rejection they experienced at Lystra prompted them to travel to Derbe and minster the Gospel there as they had in previous cities. You may have experienced your own kind of rejection for sharing the Gospel. Do not be discouraged. Keep on sharing your faith in the One, True God to those who need to know Him as their Lord and Savior.

Soli deo Gloria!

^16” In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. ¹⁷ Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” ¹⁸ Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them. “(Acts 14:16–18)

Both Barnabas and Paul continued to take this teachable moment to preach the truth from God’s Word. This was not only about who they were, but also who God is and what He does.

They stated, “In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways” (Acts 14:16). Paul and Barnabas explained that God was not only the creator of all things, but also was patient and longsuffering to unbelievers. Romans 3:23-25 supports this doctrine when Paul wrote, “²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.” This long-suffering by God is a testimony of His grace.

Another testimony of God’s grace is His benevolent witness in creation. “Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). God, in His common grace, sends forth the rain and fruitful growing upon the righteous as well as the unrighteous (Matthew 5:44–45). However, even as Paul and Barnabas fervently preached these words, it did not restrain the people from offering sacrifices to them.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “God’s providence and his creative power testify to man’s reason of his existence (Rom. 1:18–20), as does man’s own conscience, which contains his moral law (Rom. 2:13–15).”

We have to constantly remind ourselves to not offer so-called sacrifices of praise and worship to our fellow man when such praise and worship should be exclusively given to God. We can appreciate fellow believers and pastors, but we must never worship them.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, ¹⁵ “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.” (Acts 14:14–15)

2 Corinthians 4:5-7 says, “⁵ For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”  

Paul and Barnabas wanted the Lystrans to know that the two of them were not worthy of worship. They were but men, but men who possessed a great message from the One, True God. It was a message of good news. It was a message encouraging the people to turn from worthless things and turn to the living God who created them, the heavens and the earth, along with the sea and all that is in them.

One commentator writes, “This pagan crowd knows nothing about God and His works. So Paul and Barnabas explain that this God they proclaim is the Creator of all things. Furthermore, He has been patient and longsuffering, not calling unbelievers to account but showering them with good things, such as rain, food, and even gladness, blessings that revealed His existence and some basic facts about His nature. For these reasons alone, the Lystrans should worship and serve God through Jesus Christ. But even these powerful words barely dissuade the people from sacrificing to them.”

As we share the Gospel to our pagan friends, begin with the truth of creation. The created universe evidences the existence of a divine being with whom all men must give an account. Read and meditate upon Psalm 19:1-6, Acts 17:22-28 and Romans 1:18-32.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, ¹⁵ “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.” (Acts 14:14–15)

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  It is pretty exciting when the Lord begins to use you. Even more tempting when people begin praise you instead of the Lord. He alone is the One, True God deserving the credit and our worship.

I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine. He spoke of several pastors he knew of who were pastoring mega-churches within the United States. Tens of thousands of people are in their congregations. He shared about the great, and large, work they were doing. Apparently, a great work for God must always be a large work for God. How typically American.

In the conversation, the emphasis was not placed upon the Lord working through these pastors, but rather the work the pastors were doing, apparently independent of God. It seemed to me that my friend was unconsciously saying that these men were some of the special and select few that have all the answers to all the questions by all the people. That is why they are leading such large churches.

The people of Lystra were ready, willing and able to praise Paul and Barnabas as gods. It is interesting to note that from today’s text, Paul and Barnabas were having nothing to do with it. They would not receive worship. They tore their garments, which was a cultural and conventional sign of great grief and distress (Mark 14:63).

They then rushed out into the crowd continuously screaming and shouting “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Paul and Barnabas at first do not understand what the Lystrans are saying. But when they learn the people’s intent, they are aghast, for they know that only God is to be worshipped. So they hasten to set the record straight: they are not gods but mere men who are messengers from the true God.”

No matter how small, or large, the church you are a member is, no matter how gifted your pastor may be in heralding the truth of God’s Word, and no matter how many ministries and programs your church has, ultimately we are but messengers of the One, True God for which He and He alone deserves all the glory and all our worship.

Let us resolve to no longer elevate Christian leaders to a prominent place bordering on worship. Let us resolve to worship the One, True God alone.

Soli deo Gloria!    

 

 

 

^11 “And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.” (Acts 14:11–13)

John Calvin rightly said, “Our hearts become factories of idols in which we fashion and refashion God to fit our needs and desires.”

The people of Lystra were religious and worshipping people. Today’s text gives testimony to this fact. However, even though their worship was sincere, it was sincerely wrong. The objects of their honor and praise was not the LORD alone.

When the people saw what God did through the Apostle Paul in healing the crippled man, they did not attribute this miracle to the One, True God, but rather presumed the false Greek gods had appeared. They called Barnabas “Zeus” and they called Paul “Hermes” because Paul was the chief speaker. They said, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “The people of Lystra are thoroughly pagan, lacking the biblical understanding possessed by Jews and Gentile God-fearers, and they focus on the miracle. According to their worldview, the Greek gods Zeus (Barnabas) and Hermes (Paul) have come among them. A local legend held that this had happened before, with disastrous results for those who were inhospitable. Thus, the people are eager to give obedience to the missionaries and prepared to offer sacrifices to them.”

People continue to do this today. Whenever certain individuals rise within the culture, or even within the church, the masses are quick, ready, willing and able to give praise and honor to the few and famous instead of giving praise to the One, True God. The culture does so with entertainers, athletes, and politicians, while the church does so with popular Christian musicians, authors, and so-called rock star pastors. The adulation usually does not last long though, for all too soon people are looking forward to the next big thing or new thing. People’s attention spans are often brief.

The Bible says, “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! ² Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! ³ Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! ⁴ Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! ⁵ Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! ⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150)

The LORD commands everyone to praise and honor Him, and He alone. No one, or nothing, is to be worshiped and praised alongside God, above God, or instead of God. He and He alone is worthy of our praise.

Examine the people, places or things which you have a tendency to praise and honor. Resolve to praise the LORD who created those people, places or things. May all our praise be focused on the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!    

 

 

⁸ Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. ⁹ He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, ¹⁰ said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking.” (Acts 14:8–10 (ESV)

What is a miracle? The word miracle has three distinctive meanings.

First, a miracle may be a common but significant event. For example, the birth of a baby is often referred to as the miracle of birth. It is in this sense that a miracle may be thought of as pointing to common things which have an uncommon cause in the power of God.

Second, a miracle may be God working through secondary means and at the most opportune time or place. This perspective in effect eliminates the concept of coincidences or random fate.

Third, a miracle is God working against nature. In this sense, a miracle was Jesus turning water in wine (John 2), or raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11). In these instances, there is no natural explanation for these events, and others like them. They are supernatural. Defined in this way, miracles validate the person of God, along with the message, and the messenger, from God.

In today’s text, we witness a miracle of God which is performed, or carried out, by the Apostle Paul. In the city of Lystra, there was a man sitting. The reason for this posture was not simply for relaxation. It was because the man was crippled and could not use his feet. Much like the man born blind (John 9), the man in question had been in this condition since birth. He had never walked.

He happened to be listening to the Apostle Paul speaking. It appears that Paul is preaching in the streets of the city. Paul saw not only the man, but also the man’s trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of Jesus Christ.

Dr. John Walvoord explains, “The dire circumstances of this man are seen in the repeated idea: crippled in his feet … lame from birth … had never walked. Apparently there was no Jewish synagogue in Lystra, so God used a different thrust, the healing of this helpless cripple, to bring the gospel to these people. This is the third time in Acts a cripple was healed (3:1–10; 9:33–35).”

 Paul, in a loud voice, commanded the man to stand upright on his feet. The man complied by not only standing but also walking. This miracle supports the Gospel and also draws attention to its public proclamation.

Dr. Walvoord continues by saying, “Paul’s healing of this infirm man closely parallels Peter’s healing in chapter 3. In each case the cripple was lame from birth (3:2; 14:8); both Peter and Paul gazed at the one to be healed (3:4; 14:9); and both healed men responded by jumping and walking (3:8; 14:10). This shows Paul was equal to Peter in his apostleship.”

 What was the response by the citizens of Lystra to this divine occurrence? We will answer that question when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴ But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. ⁵ When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, ⁶ they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, ⁷ and there they continued to preach the gospel.” (Acts 14:4-7)

There are but two responses to the Gospel. There is both repentance and faith in Jesus Christ by grace alone through God given faith alone, or there is rejection. Rejection of the Gospel is often followed by an increasing hostility to not only the message but also the messengers.

This is what occurred in Iconium. Luke records that the citizens of the city were divided. Some agreed with the unbelieving Jews while others sided with the apostles. This is the first time in the Book of Acts that the term “apostles” is used. The word apostle means “a sent one.” It may either refer to the Twelve Apostles and Paul, or it is used to refer to those sent to share the Gospel as God’s messengers (2 Corinthians 8:23).

Opponents to the Gospel, both Jews, Gentiles and the ruler of Iconium, sought to mistreat Paul and Barnabas and eventually stone them to death. Stoning was the ancient Jewish method of execution for blasphemy (Acts 7:58-59; Leviticus 24:13-16). The two apostles heard of this plot to kill them and consequently fled to the cities of Lystra and Derbe. Once they arrived, they continued to preach the Gospel.

Dr. John McArthur writes that, “Lycaonia was a district in the Roman province of Galatia. Lystra was about 18 miles from Iconium, and was the home of Lois, Eunice, and Timothy (16:1; 2 Tim. 1:5). Luke mentions no synagogue in connection with Lystra, and since Paul began his ministry there by preaching to a crowd, it likely had a small Jewish population. Derbe was about 40 miles southeast of Lystra.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul comments, “What a roller-coaster ride was this missionary journey, with great in-gatherings of souls and incredibly vicious opposition. But Jesus told His followers it would be this way. We in the West mainly see indifference to the Gospel, but believers around the world face furious opposition. Pray for them and the advance of the Gospel.”

Soli deo Gloria!

“Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. ² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. ³ So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” (Acts 14:1–3)

Paul and Barnabas left Pisidia Antioch and traveled to the neighboring city of Iconium, in the region known as Lycaonia. Iconium was approximately 80 miles southeast from Pisidia Antioch and was located in a Roman province called Galatia.

As was there usual practice, upon their arrival they both entered into the Jewish synagogue and spoke from God’s Word. The result was a great number of both Jews and Gentiles believed in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. As was previously the case, the Gospel continued to effectively spread resulting in the conversion of souls.

This was a significant event because Iconium was a town dominated by idol worship among the Gentiles. Among the false deities that the Iconium Gentiles worshiped, the most prominent was Cybele, the Phrygian mother goddess. Other cults were also common. However, inscriptions testify that the Christian faith spread and Iconium later became a major center of Christianity in Asia Minor.

However, no sooner does the Gospel spread than corresponding persecution occurred. Unbelieving Jews roused and caused the Gentiles to turn against the new converts in general, and Paul and Barnabas in particular.

Regardless, Paul and Barnabas remained in Iconium for a considerable amount of time. While there, they continued to speak boldly on behalf of the Lord. Consequently, the Lord confirmed their message of the Gospel of grace by granting that signs and wonders be done by them. The Lord sovereignly permitted miracles be done by both Paul and Barnabas.

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “The reference to miraculous signs and wonders was further confirmation of God’s endorsement of this ministry (cf. 2:43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 8:6, 13; 15:12). Later Paul referred to these miracles to validate the reality of the gospel among the Galatians (Gal. 3:5).”

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “Faith demands obedience, otherwise it lacks the characteristics of trust, obedience, and dependence. Faith without obedience is dead (James 2:17). The proclamation of the Good News demands a positive response of joyful compliance, but a negative response demonstrates willful defiance.”

What is your response to the Good News of the person and work of Jesus Christ? Is it joyful compliance or willful defiance? Is it obedience or disobedience? Is it submission or rejection?

Soli deo Gloria!