Acts 14

Summary

 

Acts 14 depicts the challenges and triumphs of Paul and Barnabas as they spread the Gospel in Iconium, experience miraculous healing and misunderstanding in Lystra, face persecution, and establish and strengthen churches in various regions. This chapter highlights the perseverance and resilience of the early missionaries in the face of adversity.

 

1. Ministry in Iconium (Acts 14:1-7): Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue in Iconium, and a large number of Jews and Greeks believe. However, opposition arises, leading to a plot to mistreat and stone the apostles. Learning of the threat, they flee to Lystra and Derbe.
2. Healing in Lystra (Acts 14:8-18): In Lystra, Paul heals a man who has been lame from birth. The locals, amazed by the miracle, mistakenly identify Paul and Barnabas as gods, with the people wanting to offer sacrifices to them. The apostles, horrified by the misunderstanding, proclaim the true God and attempt to redirect the people's worship.
3. Stoning in Lystra and Return to Antioch (Acts 14:19-28): Despite their efforts, Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrive and persuade the crowds to stone Paul. He is left for dead but miraculously survives. Afterward, Paul and Barnabas travel to Derbe, where they make many disciples. They then revisit the cities where they had preached, strengthening the believers and appointing elders in the newly established churches. Finally, they return to Antioch in Syria, concluding their first missionary journey.

 

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