Acts 15:30-35 ESV

30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

THE ENCOURAGEMENT

When the team from Jerusalem arrived in Antioch, they gathered the congregation and delivered the letter to them. And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. There was a group of Jews, who were unauthorized, went earlier and discouraged them by their teaching. In contrast, Judas and Silas, the official representatives from Jerusalem, went to encourage them.

The letter itself could have been enough to encourage them. But, the church at Jerusalem deemed it fit to send representatives, particularly Judas and Silas. Their personal presence made a difference. The writer of Hebrews had exhorted us that physical gathering matters so much. He said, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”[Heb 10:24,25]

Judas and Silas spent with them for some time. Being prophets themselves, they encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. Like them, we must use our gifts to edify others. As Peter wrote, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”[1 Pet 4:10,11]

Whether we have the gift of prophecy or not, Paul has admonished us to encourage one another with God’s words. He said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”[Col 3:16] A word filled Christian is an encourager.

Paul later had emphasized the importance of the ministry of the word to the elders of Ephesus as a warning. The same thing may happen at Ephesus church. He said to them, “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”[Acts 20:24-29] The rise of false teachers seems inevitable. However, we have the truth, the Scriptures that can encourage and build us up.

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Acts 15:22-29 ESV

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

BRETHREN IN CHRIST

The issue was raised, discussed and finally resolved by the council comprising the apostles and elders of the Jerusalem church. There was a fair deliberation out of mutual respect whereby the council listened to Paul and Barnabas as representatives from Antioch church. The apostles and elders of the Jerusalem church weren’t authoritative to dictate what the Antioch church, the newer local church.

They choose men [Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas] from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They carried the letter to be read in the church at Antioch. It formally sealed the accord between the Jewish and Gentile believers as one in Christ – brothers in Christ. The inclusion of abstinence from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality were encouraged not for moralitybut unity.

Paul wrote later, “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ,[Eph 3:6] In the body of Christ “there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”[Col 3:11]

As somebody said, “The ground was level where the cross was planted.” Our brotherhood is solely founded in Christ and in nothing else. One moral, social and economic status or background won’t make him better than the underprivilege. Thus, as the churches of Jerusalem and Antioch, let’s unite in Christ not necessarily squabble on cultural and customary differences.

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Acts 15:12-21 ESV

12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

16 “‘After this I will return,

and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;

I will rebuild its ruins,

and I will restore it,

17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,

and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,

says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’

19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

THE GOSPEL IS FOR EVERYONE

Barnabas and Paul were given the chance to testify. They recounted a list of the miracles they were able to perform during their journey. Specifically, Paul blinded a Jewish false prophet (Acts 13:11), healed a man crippled from birth (Acts 14:8–10), and survived being stoned (Acts 14:19–20). With Barnabas as his second witness, the council saw what the miracles were for. They were affirmations. The words shared with the Gentiles were true and their work was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Undoubtedly, their testimony included the Holy Spirit coming to the Gentiles (Acts 13:48–49; 14:1).

After hearing them, James [half brother of Jesus] concluded for them not to trouble the Gentiles turning to God. They should be glad, should they not? James reiterated Peter's testimony, how God had allowed him to visit a Roman centurion in Caesarea Maritima and share Jesus' offer of salvation to him and a house filled with friends, neighbors, and fellow soldiers. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles and gave them such signs that made Peter realized these non-Jews were chosen to receive God's grace also (see Acts 10; 15:7–11).

James asserted that the Old Testament prophet Amos recorded God speaking of people from foreign nations who would be "called by [His] name" (Amos 9:12), meaning, identifying with God as their sovereign ruler. And Jesus said, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd" (John 10:16). This "one flock" is comprised of Jews and Gentiles all of whom, as Peter asserted, are "saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus" (see Acts 15:11).

However free is the gospel for everyone, it’s not promoting licentiousness. James had emphasized that the Gentiles should “abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” James' dietary restrictions were for unity, not morality.

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Acts 15:6-11 ESV

6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

AN UNNECESSARY YOKE

At Jerusalem, the church leaders [apostles and elders] met together in order to deliberate about the issue that Paul and Barnabas had raised. The "apostles" mentioned here are believed to be the ten remaining disciples of Jesus plus Matthias who replaced Judas.[Acts 1:26] James had been martyred.[Acts 12:2) The elders were presumably lay leaders of the church in Jerusalem. They would be Jews who had been taught directly by the apostles, or, possibly, by Jesus before His ascension.

What was the particular issue debated? That, the Gentiles should be circumcised in order to be saved aside from trusting Jesus according to some Jews. After much debate, Peter stood up. He clearly explained that the Gentiles could believe the gospel and be saved as any Jew like them. That, the Holy Spirit also was given to them, so that they too could be born again. They could be born again so that there won’t be no distinction between them and have their hearts cleansed their hearts by faith. This was the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy that Peter quoted, “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,”[Acts 2:17]

Notedly, Peter had witnessed firsthand the conversion of Cornelius and his household. They don’t need to convert to Judaism in order to be saved. All his prejudices against were erased. There was no doubt anymore in his mind.

Peter had agreed with Paul, Barnabas, and the other representatives from the church in Syrian Antioch. A church that is largely comprised of Gentiles who had not previously worshiped the Jewish God as Cornelius had. Clearly, Peter went on to say that even Jews were never able to fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic law. Everyone, Jew or Gentile, can only be saved through grace alone. Thus, he said, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” [v.10,11]

In short, this is an unnecessary yoke. For those who are freed in Christ are free indeed.

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Acts 15:1-5 ESV

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS

One important reality in our Christian journey is the rise of false teachers. Christ’s has warned us, saying, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”[Matt 7:15] They are predators seeking the vulnerable or naïve believers.

One feature of these people is that they blend the false with the right teaching. It is easy to detect the black from white but not the gray to white, is it not? These Jews are hardcore traditionalists. They had mixed traditions with scriptures. In most cases, the traditions [good] are given preference over the word of God. As Jesus warned, “ Thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”[Mark 7:13]

Moreover, they are pro-active and aggressive. They came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” They just won’t keep what they believed upon themselves. Predators do look for prey, don’t they?

And, they’re augmentative. Paul and Barnabas reasoned with them. But, they are there not to learn but to destroy the works of God. Sincere and honest seekers of the truth would ask questions. They want that their questions be answered. But, not the false teachers. They don’t seek answers but ask to incite an argument. A situation that Paul and Barnabas couldn’t handle so that they went to Jerusalem to resolve the issue. While on their way, they took it as an opportunity to passed by the brethren in Phoenicia and Samaria and encouraged them.

We learned here that a major doctrinal issue should be dealt with and resolved among the leadership. That is, an issue that threatens the historical-biblical beliefs revealed in the scriptures, specially the gospel. There is only one gospel. Paul has warned of false teachers introducing another gospel, saying, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”[Gal 1:6-9] The gospel is enough and powerful by itself to save [Rom 1:16], should not be diluted by adding something else, like the Mosaic law.

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Acts 14:24-28 ESV

24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

FOLLOWING UP THE BELIEVERS

On their way back home in this first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas revisited their new friends. From Derbe, they could have crossed the Tarsus mountain range and taken a short boat ride. Instead, they backtrack through the cities where they have established churches to give more instruction and select leaders (v.23). Thus, they passed through Pisidia to Pamphylia to Perga to Attali and to Antioch, where they were commissioned.

They knew that preaching the gospel and making converts is not enough to establish strong local churches. The new believers need leadership, more training, and answers to their questions (v. 22–23). They know they can't directly pastor every church they plant. They must trust that God will equip local people to take on leadership roles so the church can grow. The qualifications for elders are given in 1 Tim 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, but other notes can be found in Jas 5:14, 1 Pet 5:1–4, and Heb 13:17.

Push forward, Paul will visit these churches again on his second journey, meeting Timothy in Derbe of Lystra (Acts 16:1–6), and his third (Acts 18:23). He'll also write the book of Galatians to make sure the Gentiles understand they are saved without following the Jewish law. Paul's job is to establish the churches well. It's the Holy Spirit's work to keep them.

Paul and Barnabas have arrived home in Antioch of Syria after spreading Jesus' offer of salvation and establishing churches in the territory of Galatia in central modern-day Asia Minor (Acts 13:1–3). This is the first report of Gentile followers of Jesus, who had not previously worshiped the Jewish God in Europe. The first was in Syrian Antioch. God has promised Abraham that He would bless the world through him (Gen 12:3). Isaiah prophesied God telling the Messiah, "I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth" (Isa 49:6). God's plan was always to save Gentiles as well as Jews.

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Acts 14:19-23 ESV

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 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. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 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. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS

A moment earlier, the people were willing to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. They are now incited to kill them. People had changed at an instant. Let’s take note that God had warned Paul that he would suffer greatly in his work. This was just the beginning (Acts 9:16; 2 Cor 11:24–28).

They stoned Paul leaving him for being dead. In the Jews' minds, Paul was a self-proclaimed false prophet leading people to worship a false god - this "Jesus of Nazareth” instead of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had violated the Mosaic law. And, his punishment was chosen accordingly (Deut 13:1–5). After a stoning, the victim would be left outside the city for the dogs and other animals. Some think 2 Cor 11:25 and Gal 6:17 refer to this event.

Miraculously, Paul had survived. Indeed, we are immortal until God’s plan is finished in us. The next day, he and Barnabas went to Derbe. Having been empowered and impassioned as before, they preached and won many disciples at Derbe. Then, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. Why? They were ‘ 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.’ We are not saved by enduring trials. Salvation is through grace by faith alone. But, we proved our salvation by our endurance.

The Christian life is not for the faint hearted. Let’s take note to what Paul has said, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.’ [Phil 1:29] Paul could not be effective in encouraging them should he had not suffered himself, could he be? He said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” [2 Cor 1:3-7]

Sadly, many, specially among the health and wealth camp today, have the wrong notion that Christians should be free from hardships. Yes, God can bless us with health and wealth. But, in His sovereignty, He may allow us to pass through difficult storms in life for our own good. In fact James said, “ Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”[Jas 1:2-4]

Acts 14:8-18 ESV

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.

TURN FROM VAIN THINGS TO A LIVING GOD

Paul healed a paralyzed man in Lystra. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul. And as Paul saw his desire to be healed, he looked at him in the eyes and shouted, “Stand upright on your feet.” Immediately, he stood up and walk. A miracle that only God can do. This encounter with the crippled man parallels that of John and Peter healing the crippled beggar in Jerusalem (Acts 3:1–10).

Earlier, in Iconium, while Paul and Barnabas preached, God had "bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands" (Acts 14:3). It appears that to perform miracles is not just a sign that the speaker's words are true, but a sign that the new believers have placed their faith correctly (Luke 5:20). Today, with the Word of God affirmed over the last 2000 years, it is no small thing to realize the miracle of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit Who comes when we place our faith in Jesus.

When the crowd saw the miracle, they said in their dialect [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. Apparently, they were very religious and full of piety. Sadly, they put their faith upon idols. This miracle had moved the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, to bring oxen and garlands to the gates and to offer sacrifice with the crowds. Why?

What happened in the past may have contributed to their response. According to a myth writing ‘Ovid's Metamorphoses’, written in AD 8, Zeus and Hermes visited Phrygia, a district northwest of Lystra. They search for hospitality in a thousand different homes before an elderly couple invite them to their shack. In return, Zeus flooded the neighborhood and turned their shack into a temple in the middle of the lake. Thus, this would be the last thing the Lystrans wanted to happen again by refusing hospitality for two Greek gods. Whether the people of Lystra think Paul and Barnabas are the Greek gods or their more local versions is unknown, but they might have been eager to ready sacrifices just in case.

God’s Word for Today

26 Oct 2022

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.

- Acts 14:1-7 ESV

A DIVIDED CITY

From Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium. In similar way in Antioch of Pisidia, they entered in a Jewish synagogue and spoke. Let us take note that Paul went to the synagogue first because Jesus is for the Jews first (Rom 1:16) who are then supposed to share Him with the Gentiles (Acts 1:8).

As a result, a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. Indeed, ‘as many as were appointed to eternal life had believed.’ [Acts 13:48] Therefore, let’s seek and create opportunities for people to hear the gospel. Remember, it’s the true gospel of Christ only has the power to save. [Rom 1:16; 10:17]

But, the leaders of local synagogues fall to jealousy (see Acts 13:44–45; 17:5) like the Sanhedrin who pushed Pilate to crucify Jesus (Mark 15:6–15). They stirred the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers [Jews]. As their father Satan is, so they sow lies. [John 8:44] As Paul warned the elders at Ephesus later, “Fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”[Acts 20:29]

How did Paul and Barnabas react?

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. Their message was evidenced by signs and wonders. Truth defeats lies as light dispels darkness.

The people in the city of Iconium were divided. Some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. The reality is that the gospel prompts us to two choices – to receive it or reject it. There is no neutrality in the gospel. Either you are for the gospel or not. There is no in-between. In fact Jesus had said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”[Mat 10:34-39]

Acts 13:48-52 ESV

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

EXPANSION

Faith comes by hearing the word [gospel] [Rom 10:17] Hence, when the Gentiles heard the gospel they rejoiced and glorified the Word of God as somebody found a treasure. The bible teaches that they were ‘appointed’ unto salvation in Christ but they had the responsibility also to ‘believe.’ The word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.

Definitely, it’s the work of the Holy Spirit of spreading the gospel using ordinary men as a forest fire that started with a single spark. [Acts 1:8]. Burning objects do catch attention, don’t they? Thus, the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

Let’s not forget this reality. When we are used by God in His work, the devil won’t just let us walk at the park. He is the adversary and would do everything to hinder God’s work, even using the influential people of the city. Jesus had warned the disciples before He died, saying, “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 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.”[John 16:32-33]

Indeed, the gates of hell could not prevail against the advancement of God’s kingdom. [Matt 16:18] Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. In other words, let’s go where the Holy Spirit blows until He changes directions. What we notice is the advancement of the gospel even more in times of persecution. As an ylang-ylang flower, the more you crumple it the more it emits its sweet aroma.

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