The worldly-minded and the religiously misguided will fight against the work of the gospel, but faithful believers stand firm, filled with the Spirit, and keep preaching Jesus until the mission is done.

Acts 13:44–52 

We are living in Acts 13 and 14 times: The Clash of Kingdoms

1. Faithfulness – even when the religious have lost their way.

Religious jealousy is the ugliest kind.

They opposed Paul not because he was wrong, but because they were losing influence.

Some of the harshest opposition you’ll face won’t come from pagans — it’ll come from the “religious.”

Paul didn’t back down. He didn’t water it down. He preached even louder.

“If you don’t want it, we’ll preach to someone who does.”

Faithful gospel people keep moving forward.

- There is a time to debate.

- There is a time to stop arguing.

- There is never a time to stop sharing the faith.

- Do not lose focus because others oppose.

2. Faithfulness When the Culture Turns Hostile (Acts 14:1–7)

The mission moves to Iconium — new town, same story.

- They preach the Word. People believe. Miracles break out.

- And again — the city divides.

“The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord…” (14:2,3)

- They didn’t run. They didn’t hide. They stayed bold.

- Not arrogance, not anger — Spirit-filled courage.

- We’re not here to blend in; we’re here to bear witness.

3. Faithfulness in the Face of Violence (Acts 14:8–22)

In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man — the city loses its mind.

- They think he’s a god. They try to worship him.

- Just when he convinces them not to… the same crowd turns around and stones him.

- You can’t base your mission on popularity.

- You can’t build your life on the applause of others.

“But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city…” (14:20)

- He got back up. Bruised but not broken. Bloodied but not beaten.

- You can’t kill a man who’s already died to himself.

- Do you have those who will gather about you?

4. Faithfulness to Strengthen the Saints (Acts 14:21–23)

After the beating, Paul and Barnabas go back — to the same cities — to strengthen the believers.

- They tell them the truth: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (14:22).

- “It’s gonna be hard — but it’s gonna be worth it.”

- Faithful leaders don’t sugarcoat reality.

5. Faithfulness to the Mission Until the End (Acts 14:24–28)

Paul and Barnabas return home and report everything God did.

- They finish their mission. They celebrate.

- They give glory to God for opening doors to the Gentiles.

- The gospel cannot be stopped.

- You can oppose it, mock it, legislate against it — but the Word of God always prevails.