The context of this: God had just used Paul to heal a man born lame in his feet. The citizens of Lystra tried to worship
Paul and Barnabss. They of course said No and shared about the Creator God, the true and living God.
These people of Lystra were however easily swayed to reject the truth and proceeded to stone Paul believing they had killed Paul.
Wow! Is this how God rewards faithful witness to His Kingdom?
Yes
In fact just before Jesus goes to offer Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus gives these words to His disciples :
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
This suffering isn't because we are rude and critical of lost people: notice Paul and Barbabas didn't spend time arguing about Zeus and Hermes ; they focused on Who God is and that God has been merciful to overlook these peoples' attempt to try by their own efforts to get right with God.
All false religions include an element of self help to get right with God
Do so many good deeds to wipe away your bad deeds- pray, fast,give alms to poor people, bathe in a certain river .,
However God from before the world was created uses the name "Lamb of God" - a mediator is needed-
Just as the citizens of Lystra could not let go of their vain attempts to be right with God - so today
Acts 14:11-17 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!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 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. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “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. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 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.”
What was the "like nature " of Paul and Barbabas ? They knew themselves as sinners - totally unrighteous in God's eyes. Black and dead hearts rebellious toward the ways and will of God.
Only a desperation about the vileness of our heart condition can open our eyes to the greatness of grace and mercy found in Christ Jesus alone,
A great sinner finds a great Saviour .
How about you?
Ready for that changed heart? The only way you will find life!
What was Paul's response to the stoning that left him for dead?
Paul returns to strengthen the disciples!
Acts 14:20-22 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
How about you?
Are you willing to return good for evil?
Next post a personal testimony of how God gave me a way to display the gospel .
I enjoy comments and questions.
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