Saturday, October 14
Acts 11:27-30
They preached the Gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Devotional:
We see, in the opening verses of Acts 13, that Paul and Barnabas are commissioned/sent by their church (located in Antioch of Syria) to do what God ]called them to do; spread the Gospel. They initially went to the island of Cyprus, where both they and the Gospel were received well throughout. Then they traveled to some of the cities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
After sailing to Perga, Paul and Barnabas first went to Antioch of Pisidia to preach the Gospel. Many within the entire city were elated upon hearing the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus, but they were driven out of the city by jealous unbelievers. They then traveled to Iconium, where many believed and became followers of Christ. However, they were again hated by the unbelievers. Eventually, the unbelievers of Iconium attempted to mistreat Paul and Barnabas, but they fled the city before anything materialized. Next, Paul and Barnabas went to Lystra. Although some people believed, much of the city rejected the Gospel at that time. In fact, Paul was nearly killed during his short time in Lystra (the unbelievers stoned him and dragged his supposedly-dead body out of the city). Yet, Paul’s life was preserved by the Lord. Paul got up and re-entered the city of Lystra… WOW!
Lastly, Paul and Barnabas traveled to the city of Derbe. This is where the story picks up in Acts 14:21-23 (our passage for today). Notice how God preserved their lives so that they could carry out the purpose for which they were called. See how the journey they had been walking (in faith, with God) was always difficult, but always fruitful. Some people were trying to kill the two, yet others were coming into new life by the proclamation of the Gospel.
Paul and Barnabas knew that God had called them to share the Gospel with others. They knew that God was with them. They were encouraged by how they saw (time and again) God provide for them and bring new life to others. Because they kept their eyes on Christ, they did not become discouraged along the way. In fact, they shared their confidence with others continually as they established churches in each of the cities they visited and also when they visited them thereafter.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for today. Today is a new day You have given. Help me to worship You in all I do today. Help me to not give up, but to persevere through tough times. Strengthen my faith, God, as I seek Your face; that I might be a light for others to see as I live for You. Amen.
Application:
Today, LIVE in a new way for Christ. Who do you know that is a Christian, but is in need of some encouragement? Contact that person today. Encourage them in their faith. Pray for/with them over the phone or write a prayer in your email/letter to them. Remind them to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and not on their circumstances.