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ACTS - In the Triumphal Procession of Christ
Studies in the Acts of the Apostles
PART 2 - Reports About Preaching Among the Gentiles and the Foundation of Churches From Antioch to Rome - Through the Ministry of Paul the Apostle, Commissioned by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13 - 28)
A - The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:1 - 14:28)

5. The Founding of the Church at Lystra (Acts 14:8-20)


ACTS 14:19-20
19 But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe.

When the Jews in the neighboring towns heard about these strange events, they raced to Lystra and incensed the people there against Paul and Barnabas. They fabricated charges against them, labeling them defrauders, corruptors of traditions, and persons endangering the future of the town. The angry public sided with the deceivers, and joined with the leading personalities of the other towns, who incited them to kill the two apostles. Then the multitudes, being convinced that Paul was not a god but a human being, just as they were, gathered around him and stoned him. They were glad that no lightening or thunder had come out of him, showing him to be a weak human being like them. They attacked him violently and showered him with sharp stones, the one who had the courage to disparage their gods. He fell down bleeding and torn, in a deplorable condition, covered with a large number of stones. The multitude did not attack the gentle Barnabas, but chose to hurt Paul alone, who was the force behind the movement, powerful in preaching, and healing. Hell knew where danger came from. It is possible that Paul called to remembrance Stephen, who had been stoned before the walls of Jerusalem, even while forgiving his enemies their offences and committing his spirit into the hands of the living Jesus.

Following the stoning the multitudes dragged Paul, like a dead dog, out of the gates of the town. They returned to their houses, tired and exhausted after the day’s events. The disciples gathered around Paul’s bleeding body and prayed together, trusting in Christ’s power over death. Then Paul, as if infiltrated with the power of God through the prayers of those around him, rose up. In torn and bloodstained clothes he looked silently at his brothers in Christ. He did not flee away in the dark wilderness, but returned with them back into the murderous town, back into the midst of their enemies. He knew that Christ had not left him in death, but raised him up again unto service. He confirmed the souls of the believers in the love of God in spite of his painful wounds.

The next day Barnabas and Paul went on foot to the near city of Derbe. Paul was overtired and his wounds were still bleeding. His heart, however, was rejoicing and glad, for Christ had founded a living church in Lystra. The disciples learned about the name of Jesus there, through the example of the apostles.

PRAYER: O Lord Jesus Christ, Your name is holy, and Satan hates Your followers, wishing to destroy them. Help us to understand Your truth, and to declare it with prudence. Help us to love our enemies, and to bless those who torment us. We ask for the foundation of Your church in our town. Amen.


6. The Ministry in Derbe and the Return to Strengthen the Infant Churches (Acts 14:21-23)


ACTS 14:21-23
21 When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdom of God. 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, the two persecuted apostles preached to the people of Derbe, a small city of Asia Minor. Many people believed in Christ, and left their deadness in sin to be admitted into the life of God, in righteousness and holiness. With this work the two apostles fulfilled the command of Christ, who said: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:19-20).

The two apostles were particularly impressed with the words: “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you”, for their churches were new. They were without a Bible in the Greek Language, without an order of meetings, and without experience in discussions with their enemies. The apostles were like a mother who had to part with her small children, who were still unable to feed themselves or to provide for themselves. The apostles longed for their forsaken, spiritual children. They did not fear death, but went back boldly into the cities in which they had been persecuted. Love overcame and dispelled all fear, for it is the greatest motivation in man.

The two apostles went back to Lystra, where Paul had been incriminated. There they did not preach to the multitudes in general, but strengthened the believers, the ones whom Christ had called out of the world and chosen for His kingdom. By this service both men practiced the duty of edification through preaching. They did not speak about dreams and imaginary hope, but testified with all clarity that we must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations. You cannot enter the kingdom of God without tribulations. You will meet waves of hatred, lying, torture, and sufferings for Christ, as a guarantee and sign of your entrance into the expanses of grace.

The two apostles understood the term “Kingdom of God” as the “Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ”, which became apparent in the power of the Son. All believers expect His coming in glory and the manifestation of His power on earth. Each and every person born again of the Holy Spirit is today a member of the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ purchased for us by His own blood membership in His kingdom, along with holiness, humility, and love. Did you enter the expanses of Christ? Do you await the appearance of the kingdom of the Father and the coming of Christ our Savior? The end of the kingdom of God is not the salvation of yourself or the growth of many churches. Rather, it is the appearance of the glory of the Father and the Son in the communion of those who live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Christ said: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things shall be arranged to you automatically” (Mt. 6:33).

The two apostles not only preached about faith, sufferings, and glory, but also organized the churches in a practical manner. They chose in accordance with spiritual maturity and experience elders, and appointed them to preside over the meetings and bear responsibility for the poor and the sick. The life of these elders, through their following Christ, became a good example of holiness, salvation, and temperance.

Thus the two apostles strengthened the churches, and could finally leave for other regions. They handed the assemblies over to Christ, the great Shepherd, who was with them all the days. To practice this handing over they prepared themselves through prayer and fasting. They sought the fullness of the Holy Spirit for the new ministers and principal members in the churches. They believed, too, that Christ himself bears ultimate responsibility for His church. The apostles did not make laws, rites, or hymnals for the churches, but instead committed those they met into the hands of the living Christ, keeping in mind that He can sanctify completely all those who are drawn into His triumphal procession.

PRAYER: O Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Head of Your church, and the Faithful Shepherd. We pray for all new circles of believers, that You may bless them, and fill them with the Spirit of Your humility, in order that they should not lack power, love, knowledge, and preparedness for preaching. Forgive Your disciples all their offences daily, and give them responsible elders, so that they may work in temperance, truth, and power for others.

QUESTION:

  1. How did Paul and Barnabas minister in the new churches when they returned to visit them?

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