Paul tried to show God’s witness in everyday blessings to the people of Lystra. God had healed a cripple, and the Gentiles there assumed their gods, Zeus and Hermes, had come to visit. Paul tried to explain that they were only human beings bringing the Good News about the living God. To do this, Paul …
The living God versus lifeless idols is a stark contrast! When Eve sinned, she told God she had been deceived. Throughout human history, the enemy has worked to lead people away from God. The scene in Lystra is a startling reminder of this spiritual battle that has left people blind. After witnessing a miracle, the …
God’s mercy pursues misguided people, a theme that begins in Genesis with Adam and Eve and continues throughout the Bible. When Paul and Barnabas are on their mission trip, they minister to the people of Iconium, where, again, a merciful God pursues the lost. When the people of Lystra witness the miraculous healing through Paul …
Miracles confirm the message that Paul and Barnabas preached on their mission trip. These signs served as credentials demonstrating they were the servants of the true God. In Iconium, some, both Jew and Gentile, believed the message, and others did not. Miracles can’t produce conviction or faith on their own. The Gospel message must accompany …
The reality of spiritual warfare began in the Garden of Eden and continues to this day. We observe another chapter of this spiritual warfare when Barnabas and Paul were on a mission trip proclaiming the Gospel. Acts 14:5 Then a mob of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them. 6 When …