Don’t Reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ
These two experienced preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Apostles Paul and Barnabas, left Antioch in Pisidia and headed East to Iconium of Lycaonia. The Jews in Antioch had rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ; consequently, these apostles turned to the Gentiles preaching and teaching Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Note in the Scripture below that both Jews and Gentiles were in the same synagogue together feeding on the good Word of God.
“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed,” (Acts 14:1).
Additionally, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everybody. It’s for both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles). Consequently, they heard the good news of salvation and many of them, on both sides, believed it.
What They did to Ensure the Gospel of Jesus Christ Survived
Despite that there will always be some persons who are skeptics and unbelieving. And they are always lonely. Consequently, they always try to infect others with their disease.
“But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren,” (Acts 14:2).
This deliberate infection of unbelief may seem natural, but it’s not. Satan conceived it. But humans manifest it. Reject all thoughts from your Adversary. If you believe and act on them, they will destroy you and others.
Both Apostles Paul and Barnabas understood this as a move of the Devil; therefore, to counter it, they must invest much time in teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrating His power.
If more people hear the good news of Jesus Christ, more will believe. And it will spread even further as one person tells another.
One Key Role of Signs & Wonders in the Gospel
“Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands,” (Acts 14:3).
Now, after the fact, this action of these apostles may appear to be a light thing. However, if it were there would be no need for them to speak “boldly in the Lord”, but their lives were at risk because the unbelieving Jews were constantly trying to kill them and for that reason, the Holy Ghost had to embolden them to speak.
And to further counteract the words and behavior of these unbelievers the Lord allowed signs and wonders via these apostles’ hands.
“But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles,” (Acts 14:4).
This is inevitable. Not everyone will accept your word concerning Jesus Christ. Some will and some won’t.
Two Disciples of Jesus Christ Flee Further East
However, note the extent people who are unbelievers will go because they refuse to accept your word.
“And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,” (Acts 14:5).
Consequently, these disciples of Jesus Christ had to flee further east to Lystra and then to Derbe to remain alive.
“They were aware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about,” (Acts 14:6).
But even as they were escaping with their lives they were still preaching and teaching Christ.
“And there they preached the gospel,” (Acts 14:7).
Today, things haven’t changed much. There is still the unbelievers and some of them continue to desire to hurt us. However, let’s keep at it.
Never give in to unbelievers and intimidation and threats. Just remain vigilant and consistent in your delivery of the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He’s the only begotten Son of God.
