Saul (now referred to as Paul) and Barnabas begin their journey and cross paths with a sorcerer that is misleading the people. “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery….you are going to be blind for a time…” (cf Acts 13:10-12). I really pray for God to work this way today. Perhaps he does and I’m just not aware of it!
The leaders of the synagogue asked for it: “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak” (13:15). So Paul spoke. “When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him” (13:45). “They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium” (13:50-51). Jesus had pre-warned them about this type of reaction and said, “If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them” (Luke 9:5). This simple act was significant in that culture. Every society has ways of signaling indignation, this was the method in their time. The result: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). Yes!
Many were saved and their numbers grew, though Paul was stoned and left for dead, the message of the Gospel continued to spread. Lord help me to continue the good work that was begun centuries ago. Even though many will not listen, I pray more will come to know you each day. Give me strength and courage to do your will. Amen.
Saul (now referred to as Paul) and Barnabas begin their journey and cross paths with a sorcerer that is misleading the people. “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery….you are going to be blind for a time…” (cf Acts 13:10-12). I really pray for God to work this way today. Perhaps he does and I’m just not aware of it!
The leaders of the synagogue asked for it: “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak” (13:15). So Paul spoke. “When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him” (13:45). “They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium” (13:50-51). Jesus had pre-warned them about this type of reaction and said, “If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them” (Luke 9:5). This simple act was significant in that culture. Every society has ways of signaling indignation, this was the method in their time. The result: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). Yes!
Many were saved and their numbers grew, though Paul was stoned and left for dead, the message of the Gospel continued to spread. Lord help me to continue the good work that was begun centuries ago. Even though many will not listen, I pray more will come to know you each day. Give me strength and courage to do your will. Amen.