Gods and Stones

As Paul and Barnabas entered Iconium to preach, both Jews and Gentiles were receptive and restored by the message of love and mercy in Jesus that they brought. But not everyone in the city was happy about this change. Certain men of influence added poison to these teachings and stirred the people against Paul and Barnabas. So they fled to Lystra where they healed a man and were called gods by the men of the city. Just as Paul and Barnabas convinced the crowd that they were mere men, the elders of Antioch came and captured Paul, bringing him out to the city to be stoned. But because of what God did for him, Paul went right back to the city the next day to continue preaching the good news of Jesus.

In our previous episode, we heard how Paul and Barnabas, prompted by the Holy Spirit, traveled to Cyprus. There they preached the message of Jesus in the synagogues across the island, winning many souls for Jesus. We also heard how Paul stood against a magician and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, rebuking him and cursing him with blindness because he tried to prevent people from turning to Jesus. And we saw Paul defending their ministry to the Gentiles who were just as much a part of God’s plan for salvation as the Jews. Today we’ll hear as Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium and Lystra. They’ll see many turn to Christ but also face great opposition. Paul will feel the sting of persecution as his body endures much pain for the sake of the gospel.