Acts 14:22 Strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, ‘It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.’
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“Iconium, Lystra, Derbe”
Ministry in Iconium (14:1-7): Paul and Barnabas preach effectively in the synagogue at Iconium, winning both Jews and Gentiles to faith. However, unbelieving Jews stir up opposition, dividing the city. When a plot to stone them emerges, they flee to Lystra and Derbe.
Healing and Misunderstanding in Lystra (14:8-18): Paul heals a man lame from birth, prompting the crowd to mistake them for gods (Barnabas as Zeus, Paul as Hermes). The priest of Zeus prepares a sacrifice, but Paul and Barnabas urgently redirect the people to the one true God.
Stoning of Paul (14:19-20): Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrive, persuading the crowd to stone Paul. Left for dead, he miraculously rises and returns to the city with Barnabas the next day before moving to Derbe.
Strengthening New Believers (14:21-23): After preaching in Derbe and making many disciples, they revisit Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, encouraging believers to persevere through hardships, appointing elders in each church, and entrusting them to God.
Return to Antioch in Syria (14:24-28): Completing their journey, Paul and Barnabas return to their sending church in Antioch, reporting how God opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
Acts 14 illustrates the resilience of Paul and Barnabas as they spread the gospel amidst miracles, misunderstandings, and violent opposition, emphasizing the necessity of enduring hardships to build and strengthen the early church, particularly among Gentile believers.
