Every city they entered, the intentions of the apostles was always first to preach the Gospel, and if miracles followed, they followed. Here, in Iconium and Lycaonia it was no different. And one of the most important things to note about their preaching is that it always required that those who believed didn’t just merely add Jesus to the way they currently did things. That is why in these verses today we see 1) Iconium become so divided that a “war” breaks out, and 2) Paul and Barnabas tear their clothing in rage that these Lycaonians would dare to blaspheme the Living God.

The Message of Jesus being spoken of was so holy and precious that it required a radically transformed life after hearing it. And that is not something that has disappeared since this account was written. Jesus forewarned us that His Message would cause division [Luke 12.51]. Jesus also told us that those who are met with His Message would need to be born again, so that they can become children of the one, true, Living God and re-learn their purpose within their existence here on earth [John 3.1-21].

This Message was not, and is not, lightweight. May we see that in today’s Scripture.

[Acts 14.1-18]

14.1 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. 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.

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

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. 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. 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. 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.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why did Paul and Barnabas stay for “a long time” with the new believers? [Hint: v. 2]

+ I believe that it is important to take note that there was time that took place between vv. 1-7 and vv. 8-18. This helps us slow down in reading Acts and realize this was over a long span of time. It is so easy to get into just reading to read and not fully understanding that things did take place in between.

+ Do you think Paul and Barnabas were recalling the teachings of Jesus forewarning that all of this would take place?

+ How was what the Lycaonians did blasphemous?

+ What do you think were the emotions and thoughts racing through the apostle’s heads during all of this time?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How would I react in scenarios like the ones described today? Does the Message of Christ hold enough weight to me that I would respond much like Paul and Barnabas?

+ What ‘disciplines’ did the apostles practice so that they held the endurance necessary to continue their missions? What ‘disciplines’ do I practice to do the same?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who in my life do I need to remain with a little longer so that their foundations are strong in Christ amidst the “poison”?