Paul and Barnabas continue their ministry in Antioch, blessing both Jews and Gentiles who were receptive to the Word of God and arousing envy and hostility among the religious Jews who saw their position and power being threatened. Rejected by the Jewish leaders in Antioch, Paul tells them, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us…” (Acts 13: 46-47 NKJV). Expelled by the city leaders, Paul and Barnabas depart the city. “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52 NKJV).
Paul and Barnabas travel next to Iconium and then to Lystra, where we witness the same two-fold response to the preaching of the gospel – some receive the Word with humility and joy and some reject it with envy and hostility. In Lystra, God grants Paul the power to heal a man crippled from birth, which incites the people to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. However, Paul and Barnabas refuse their worship and plead with them to worship instead the true God and their Creator. “Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead” (Acts 13:19 NKJV).
Pastor Kevin explains how this account also gives us important insights about the deity of Jesus and His identity as our Savior from sin; why the unbeliever is so hostile towards Jesus; what it means to be “appointed to eternal life” (Acts 13:48); and some signs of false cults.
Maranatha!
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