“And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe,” Acts 14:19-20, KJV.
Many times in life we find ourselves in situations where we think we’re going to die, either emotionally or spiritually…and in extreme situations physically. And in some instances the devastation comes not from our hands, but by the hands of others. Many are completely innocent in matters that may leave them grasping for justice in the midst of a fallen world.
When I read this passage of scripture in its full context (Acts 14), I begin with a focus on the first two verses, “And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.” Take a look at the “unbelieving Jews.” They purposely stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against Paul and Barnabas, those spreading the Gospel. Isn’t this still happening today?
The truth is rejected and more often than that, those carrying the truth are pushed away. Isn’t it strange that when what we need the most comes in our midst, but it is discarded because of who is carrying it? We may ask God for certain things and then when He blesses us with that very thing, we turn up our noses because it didn’t come the way that we wanted it to come. I’ve heard of family members pleading to other family members, but the Word is not received because of the past they may have together. Well, in the case of the Jews mentioned in the book of Acts jealousy crept into their hearts. In the preceding chapter, Chapter 13, notice verse 45, “But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.” Sometimes people just want to make things hard for another. They find no real fault in you; it’s because of how God has blessed you.
Resentment grew up in the hearts of those Jews, jealous at how the Gentiles begged for the word they rejected. Crowds flocked to hear of salvation from the apostles, and the Jews with their hardened hearts gathered others to aid in their rebellion. Does this sound familiar when cliques are formed in school, at work, in families? It’s crazy that one family member or coworker isn’t talking to this one over this and another family member or coworker isn’t talking to another over that. The division starts small, but spreads like a contagious virus. Next thing you know there are family reunions within family reunions, etc.
The Word needs to be met with a receptive heart, but if it isn't we must still press forward. “And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” It is not our job to force the Gospel on another, rather deliver the good news of Jesus Christ. If they receive it, wonderful, if not don’t let your peace turn into wrath or anger because of it. Simply plant the seed and pray that it grows.
In Paul’s case, the anger rose up so violently in those who were “unbelieving” that they sought to kill him. Actually, they stoned him, hating him for his message from God. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28, KJV. What a testimony! Even when they tried to kill him, God has the final say. There was still work left for Paul to do and the enemy was not going to stop it. When you are in the will of the Lord, He has the authority to rise even above death.
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