The first missionary journey of Barnabas and Paul:

Paul and Barnabas continued spreading the gospel among the Gentiles.

1. V. 1-7 – They successfully preached the gospel at Iconium for some time before being driven away by violent persecutors.
   1. Despite the persecution they faced at the hands of the Jews in Antioch (13:50-52), they still did not hesitate to include the Jews in their teachings when they arrived at Iconium (14:1). See Prov. 29:10. May God help us not to give up on sinners, but care for their souls, instead.
   In every congregation, there are always some unbelieving people who stir up problems, poisoning the minds of people who want to believe the gospel (14:2). Despite persecutions from troublemakers, God continues to do wonders, as the apostles stayed focused on Jesus Christ in their assignments (14:3). It has happened in the first missionary journey of the Apostles; we too, should not faint in today’s church experiences when persecution arises. The gospel brings division among people because some hate the truth. No wonder People
   1. attempted to abuse and stone the preachers (14:4-5) violently.
   1. One ought to run for one’s life if danger is imminent; however, one should never stop sharing the good news (14:6-7). Thank God for the intercessors who had been praying for them for boldness.

• V. 8-18 – They healed a lame man at Lystra (14:8-10), praise God. However, they resisted being turned into gods (v. 11) for worship by the people who saw the miracle (14-18).
  • They called Barnabas Zeus (v. 12), the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion. They called Paul Hermes (v. 12), the messenger of the gods.
  • Let us always return all glory to God, and not allow people to turn us into objects of worship when God performs signs and wonders through us (14:13-18).

• V. 19-20 – They experienced persecution to the point where Paul was stoned and taken for dead, but thank God, he survived.
  • Persecutors and troublemakers from Antioch (13:50-51) and Iconium (14:4-6) came to Derbe to foment more trouble, to the point of stoning Paul, almost to the point of his death (14:19-20; 2 Cor. 24-25; 2 Tim. 3:11). You will always find troublemakers in every church, town, office, family, etc., and even those who will come from other places to cause trouble. Do you wonder how bad news spread from church attendees to those who didn’t attend?

• V. 21-23 – Paul and Barnabas revisited the churches they had earlier planted, to encourage them and ensure orderliness.
  • Strengthening believers,
    • Exhorting them to continue in faith (v.22; Acts 11:23; Letting them know that it is through many tribulations that we will enter the kingdom of God (v. 22; 2 Tim. 3:12);
    • Appointing church leaders to continue the work (v. 23).

• V. 24-28 – They returned to Antioch, the church from which they were sent forth, to make reports of their experiences in the missionary journey.
  • We should never feel too big to report to our leaders, no matter how spiritual we are or how mightily God is using us (v. 27). Humility, a sense of responsibility, and accountability are major parts of genuine spirituality.

Conclusion

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” – Rev. 3:8-12