The Acts of the Apostles July 27, 2014 Bob Eckel 1 “Acts 14:1-28 “Paul at Iconium, Lystra & Return Trip” Acts 14:1-5 – Paul and Barnabas Preach at Iconium –Again, the synagogue first and they spoke with power and we’re told that a great company of Jews and Greeks believed. Were the Greeks in the synagogue?

The Acts of the Apostles July 27, 2014 Bob Eckel 2 “Acts 14:1-28 “Paul at Iconium, Lystra & Return Trip” –We’re then told that the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Spiritual persecution by Jews gives rise to civil unrest and more persecution. –How, why would the Gentiles care? »A theme, McCalley – the Jews claimed that Christianity was an illegal religion – Acts 16:19-21, Acts 18:12,13 The result was that Paul and Barnabas remained for a long time and they spoke boldly for the Lord – contrary to what might seem reasonable. –The result – they bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. »In contrast to Antioch where no miracles were described. »Miracles are by faith as is salvation – Gal 3:1-5 –Another difference from Antioch is now Paul and Barnabas needed to flee for their lives. And now it’s not only the Jews and their rulers but the Gentiles that are persecuting the church.

The Acts of the Apostles July 27, 2014 Bob Eckel 3 “Acts 14:1-28 “Paul at Iconium, Lystra & Return Trip” Acts 14:6-20 – Paul and Barnabas Move on to Lystra and Derbe –Off unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia ….. and there they preached the gospel. –The miracle (vv. 8-10) – a man made to walk who was crippled from birth. The man was described as one who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, And on response to Paul’s loud voice ….. he leaped and walked. Note the resemblance to the 1 st miracle – Acts 3:2-8 –The reaction (vv.11-13) And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia (different from Greek), The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. –Barnabas & Paul are deified (Roman/Greek - Jupiter/Zeus and Mercurius/Hermes).

The Acts of the Apostles July 27, 2014 Bob Eckel 4 “Acts 14:1-28 “Paul at Iconium, Lystra & Return Trip” –Paul and Barnabas then preach and Paul is stoned (vv ) garland – a fillet or crown worn by priests (or victims) –And note v.16 in reference to God and His power - Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. –Why would they rent their clothes? Done by the Jews in cases of extreme indignation or in deep grief. –But here under the atmosphere of grace not law. Paul substantiates one God through natural revelation –V Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. –Is this a manner by which we can reach and unbelieving world system? »Psalms 19:1-6 »Rom 1:18-20 –Evidence that all are condemned by natural revelation. –Did Paul accomplish this here? »See vv.18-19

The Acts of the Apostles July 27, 2014 Bob Eckel 5 “Acts 14:1-28 “Paul at Iconium, Lystra & Return Trip” –Details are not provided but Paul was stoned and presumed dead but then he and Barnabas traveled a short distance to Derbe (~ 16 miles) and preached. II Cor 11: 25 – The only time Paul was stoned. –Persecution - welcome to Christianity (II Tim 3:10-12) Presumed dead but he was not - a miracle? –And notice, this group included Jews from as far as Antioch (~100 miles) and the multitudes, relates to the local Lystrans, were persuaded. Acts 14:21-28 – Paul and Barnabas Retrace Their Path from Derbe to Antioch –A very important message is in v Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. What does it mean to confirm, exhort and continue in the faith? –It all relates to citizenship doesn’t it.

The Acts of the Apostles July 27, 2014 Bob Eckel 6 “Acts 14:1-28 “Paul at Iconium, Lystra & Return Trip” – Notice - they had appointed elders in every church (v. 23). By prayer with fasting; a mandate for local spiritual leadership. - And on the way back they passed throughout Pisidia…. to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, …. to Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. Notice that what had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled (v. 27). –Is this commitment to the grace of God or a response motivated by law? »How do we answer this inquiry, II Cor 1:12? –And in Antioch, the missionary report back home – a precedent? »They rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that He had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles. they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.