Acts 14:2-4 NASB
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brothers. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, while others, with the apostles.
As Paul and Barnabas were preaching, some came to believe and some did not. Those who did not believe became embittered. This did not slow down Barnabas or Paul. In fact, they dug in deeper. They continued to preach and speak boldly. God blessed them as they preached the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas were bold, and that did not please the city they preached in. It caused division and difficulty. This division extended to even the rulers and leaders--that is the politicians.
Isaiah 9:6 says, “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Thus, Christ is the ruler of the rulers, the managers of the politicians, and the Prince of Peace. So, while Christ is the ruler of rulers, the King of the politicians, and He is to bring peace, He first brings something else.
Scripture tells us that the things of Christ must first be “pure” before they can become “peaceable” (James 3:17). It is important that those who believe in Christ and choose to follow Him can face embittered friends and rejection with boldness and courage. Choosing the gospel, choosing truth, can result in division--of cities, of friendships, and sometimes of entire households (Matt. 10:36-37).
When the unbelievers became so stirred up by the gospel and preaching that the unbelievers began to hurt Paul and Barnabas, they left for other places to preach. Even after facing intense division, Acts 14:8 says Paul and Barnabas “continued to preach the gospel.”
Friends, let us not shrink back from preaching the gospel. Let us boldly proclaim, despite any opposition, that Christ is Lord and He is the Savior. I pray that division resulting from the gospel creates in us a desire to be bold.
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brothers. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, while others, with the apostles.
As Paul and Barnabas were preaching, some came to believe and some did not. Those who did not believe became embittered. This did not slow down Barnabas or Paul. In fact, they dug in deeper. They continued to preach and speak boldly. God blessed them as they preached the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas were bold, and that did not please the city they preached in. It caused division and difficulty. This division extended to even the rulers and leaders--that is the politicians.
Isaiah 9:6 says, “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Thus, Christ is the ruler of the rulers, the managers of the politicians, and the Prince of Peace. So, while Christ is the ruler of rulers, the King of the politicians, and He is to bring peace, He first brings something else.
Scripture tells us that the things of Christ must first be “pure” before they can become “peaceable” (James 3:17). It is important that those who believe in Christ and choose to follow Him can face embittered friends and rejection with boldness and courage. Choosing the gospel, choosing truth, can result in division--of cities, of friendships, and sometimes of entire households (Matt. 10:36-37).
When the unbelievers became so stirred up by the gospel and preaching that the unbelievers began to hurt Paul and Barnabas, they left for other places to preach. Even after facing intense division, Acts 14:8 says Paul and Barnabas “continued to preach the gospel.”
Friends, let us not shrink back from preaching the gospel. Let us boldly proclaim, despite any opposition, that Christ is Lord and He is the Savior. I pray that division resulting from the gospel creates in us a desire to be bold.