Acts 14

Paul and Barnabas continue the ministry and follow the steps of preaching at a local synagogue and telling of the good news of Jesus Christ. Both Jews and Greek Gentiles are moved to believe. In our video of the Bible, we actually see how the Gentiles were allowed to worship. They had to stand outside the synagogue and listen through the windows. In that day they were considered unclean and were not allowed to step foot inside any synagogue or the Temple in Jerusalem.

Again we have unbelieving Jews stirring up the crowd and causing division among the believers. Since the Jews did not have a lot of pull in this Gentile city--they had to work on the Gentiles and goad them into action against Paul and Barnabas.

It is a sad thing when religion or tradition gets in the way of true worship. When we complain about a worship style, music, or what people wear, we forget that the most important thing is the Word. As long as the preaching does not stray from scripture, and people select leaders who support that...why stir up dissent?

When it was clear their lives were in danger, Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra and Derbe. The name Lystra means 1001 churches. Among the ruins they have found a lot of religious architecture, so it is clear this city was hungry for something to believe in. Later Lystra was named in early church history as a center of Christian influence.

It is significant that this one cripple is mentioned. He was lame from birth and chosen for healing by Paul and Barnabas. Note the steps of healing: 1) hearing the word, 2) faith comes by hearing, 3)command that calls for an exercise of faith, 4) there is an effort to obey, 5) salvation from infirmity by obedience.

When this miracle happened, the Greeks assumed they were gods. Remember, this city is Greek and remembers all the fables and mythology starring fabulous Greek gods that tinkered with human life. There was one in particular written by Ovid about Baucus and Philemon. This couple had strangers come to their house and they invited them in for food and rest. (These travelers had been turned away at other homes throughout the town.) Just by conversation and a couple of incidents, they figured out they were entertaining Zeus and Hermes. They honored their guests. It was then that Zeus and Hermes decided to wipe out the entire city with a flood and told Baucus and Philemon to climb to a high spot and not look back. (Sound familiar?) The city was destroyed except for their house, which was transformed into a temple for Zeus.

So the people of Lystra assumed that Paul and Barnabas were Zeus and Hermes. And since they didn't want their town wiped out, the proceeded to worship these two men. Paul and Barnabas were devastated. All the preaching had been for nothing. They were so upset they tore their clothes. And when they convinced the Greeks they were not gods, the Jews convinced them they were bad guys trying to lead them astray. So they stone Paul and drag him outside the city wall.

When the disciples of Paul and Barnabas stand around him, he revives. Now whether he was healed or had just fainted, we don't know. There was no laying on of hands, no prayer mentioned. They go on to the city of Derbe and stay there for a while. (I would imagine Paul had some healing to do!)

Bravely they return to Lystra to finish what they started. The Jews who had come from Iconium to stir up the Greeks had left, thinking they had accomplished the task of killing Paul. They set up churches and prayerfully selected elders. They stick to the plan and structure set up by the first church.

Karen offered commentary from her Recovery Bible that encouraged us. It basically said that if we persevere in our faith, we will have long term success or recovery. Just like Paul and Barnabas...go finish what you started!

A discussion was started by Luci regarding fasting. We talked about the different kinds of fasting...especially for people with medical problems. Diabetics should not fast from food, so they need to look for something else in their life that is very important to them. Maybe it's Facebook, prime time TV or diet sodas...when you give up something that you look forward to every day, you let God know that He is number one in your life. You offer Him a sacrifice every time you turn away from that thing you love.

Paul and Barnabas continue on with their ministry trip, preaching and teaching as they go. They report back to the home church which was an encouragement to those who supported them in their travels.

As you make your Christmas card list this year, be sure to include your missionaries. Send them encouragement by writing to them and promise to pray for them.

When you have hit a wall with your life, consider fasting from something to take your faith to another level with God. It's a blessing and also a lesson in discipline. Don't give up in your walk. Remember that God has begun and good work in you and He is faithful to finish it. We should do the same! (Philippians 1:6)