Acts 14:1-28 KJV
[1] And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
[2] But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
This makes me think of how today with so many different denominations, some would rather argue and debate about petty differences than focus on spreading the gospel.
[3] Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
[4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
[5] And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
[6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
[7] And there they preached the gospel.
They preached the gospel every opportunity they had, even when they were fleeing possibly for their lives.
[8] And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
[9] The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
[10] Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
[11] And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
[12] And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
Even though it is important for all of us to spread the gospel, we all have different talents. Paul was talented in speaking so he spoke the most, but Barnabas was not as much as a speaker. Come to think of it, are there any instances recorded in scripture of Barnabas speaking? Now I can't remember where I was going with this, what are your thoughts?
[13] Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
[14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
[15] And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
[16] Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
[17] Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
[18] And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
[19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
Wow the people went from thinking they were gods to attempting to murdered Paul!
[20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
[21] And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
[22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
[23] And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
It's one thing to preach and save many souls, but you also have to make sure they grow in their faith and walk and do not stray.
[24] And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
[25] And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
[26] And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
[27] And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
[28] And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Dear Lord, thank you for everything you have done for us and everything you have given us. You are awesome and powerful! Lord please help us learn from our study of your word and apply it to our hearts. If it is your will, please let my health return to me. You alone know everything about everyone in my prayer journal. Please bless them and help them with anything they might be struggling with, in Jesus's name, Amen.