Posts made in December, 2020


“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 The Apostle Paul having just healed a lame man, so captivated the people of Lystra, they extolled him and Barnabas as gods, even called them Zeus and Hermes (Acts 14:8-11).  However, envious and unbelieving Jews came from Iconium and Antioch (cities Paul had previously preached and experienced hostility) and persuaded the multitude, to turn violently against him.  Poisoned by Satanic lies, the fickle crowd that only moments prior deified Paul, now stoned him and dragged him out of the city supposing he was dead (Acts 14:19).  When Paul’s disciples gathered around him, he arose and entered the city.  Amazingly, the very next day he and Barnabas embarked on the sixty-mile trek to the city of Derbe, and once arriving there they preached the gospel (Acts 14:21).  The Lord performed a supernatural healing on Paul, for he must have been in a bloody pulp and in a moribund state.  G. Campbell Morgan wrote: “Paul was writing to Timothy, the young minister, his last letter and said to him: ‘You know the persecutions I endured at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, but out of them all the Lord delivered me’ (2 Tim. 3:11).  At Antioch and Iconium He delivered him by saving him from the stones.  At Lystra He delivered him through stoning.” 1 After winning many converts at Derbe, Paul boldly returned to Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra–the very cities where he was castigated (Acts 14:21).   So, why did Paul return to such a hostile and insidious venue?  Most believers, if not all, would have refrained from returning to such a pernicious environment.  However, Paul did not faint from risking his life in order to honor his unique calling required by the Lord (Acts 9:15-16, Gal. 1:15-16).  Furthermore, Paul selflessly wanted to encourage the brethren, who may have witnessed firsthand the pandemonium and violence against him.  Paul encouraged them to abide in faith, declaring: “…Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22b).   In the same manner, Paul recounted that life-threatening experience in Lystra and with it exhorted his young fellow soldier in the faith, Timothy: “Persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me!  Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”  (2 Tim. 3:11-12).  In fact, on numerous occasions Paul strengthened the brethren in the newly established churches who were enduring great persecution (Acts...

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