Acts | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

ACTS 14

PAUL REMAINS STEADFAST WHILE FACING PERSECUTION

Paul and Barnabas arrive in Iconium and continue to preach the message of Jesus. Many people hear their teaching and believe, but there is still division among the people. Both Jewish and Greek people turn to Jesus, but others are angered by Paul and Barnabas and want to stone them. When they hear this, Paul and Barnabas leave Iconium and travel to Lystra.

While Paul and Barnabas are teaching in Lystra, Paul heals a man who was crippled since birth and unable to walk. Upon seeing this man walking, the people are stunned. Instead of turning to worship God, the people attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas and offer them sacrifices. Paul and Barnabas restrain the people, reminding them that they are only men and not to be worshiped—they are simply messengers of God, not gods themselves.

Still angry with the message of Paul, some of the Jewish people from Antioch and Iconium travel to Lystra and turn the adoring crowd against him. Instead of worshiping him, now the people want to kill him!

The people stone Paul and drag his body out of the city. Although he was battered, Paul was not dead, as they thought. As the disciples gather around him, he rises and continues to preach the message of Jesus! Giving strength to the disciples, Paul encourages them to remain committed to the faith during times of tribulation.

After their many travels, Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch in Syria. When they arrive, they gather the church together and marvel at all God has done in the lives of the Gentile believers.

STUDY QUESTIONS

How did the people of Iconium and Lystra treat Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14?

What do these reactions reveal about the challenges and dangers of Paul’s missionary work?