Title Evangelism at Iconium (Acts 14:1-7)
Contents
Evangelism at Iconium (Acts 14:1-7)
We are continuing to look at Paul's first missionary journey. The Acts 14:1-7 we read today is a record of evangelism in Iconium. We would like to share grace with you by examining the text.
1. Name of the apostle
The first thing we are interested in looking at today's text is that Paul and Barnabas were referred to as "two apostles". Paul and Barnabas are called "two apostles" in verses 4 (some followed the two apostles), verses 5 (Gentiles and Jews and their rulers insulted them).
However, besides the 12 disciples, there were others who were called apostles in a broad sense. Among them, Paul is the most representative person. Galatians 2:8 says, "He who worked on Peter and made him an apostle to the circumcision also worked on me, an apostle to the Gentiles." In addition to Paul, James, the brother of Jesus, and also Barnabas, were called apostles.
However, in the context of the entire Bible, the word apostle can be applied to those who have been sent by God's command. For example, Hebrews 3:1 says, "Therefore, holy brethren who are also called together in heaven, you are the apostles of our faith, Contemplate Jesus as the high priest.” In the words, “Apostle” is attached to Jesus. Even now, it refers to those who have been entrusted with the mission of the gospel.
2. Signs and Words
The second thing we are going to focus on in today's text is verse 3. "The two apostles stayed for a long time and spoke boldly through the Lord, testifying to the word of his grace by giving them signs and wonders with their hands." You can learn about the relationship between signs and wonders and the Word from the verse. Many people want to see signs and wonders. After seeing the signs and wonders, many people gathered. After Jesus had filled the 5,000 men with five loaves and two fish, a large crowd gathered. They even wanted to make Jesus king. Or Luke 23: Verse 8 says, "When Herod saw Jesus, he rejoiced very much, because he had heard of him and wanted to see him for a long time, and he longed to see any miracles performed."
And Jesus also sent evangelism to his disciples, giving them the ability to perform miracles. In Luke 9:1, “Jesus called the twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority to control all demons and to heal diseases. However, what we need to know clearly is that signs have a clear purpose. Signs and wonders are not meant to show the merits of men. Signs and lyrics are to testify more clearly of God's Word. That is why it is clearly written in the text, "You testify to the word of His grace by giving their hands to perform signs and wonders." In other words, God's Word is more important than signs and wonders. .In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man in hell says this. Luke 16:30 "It is not so, father Abraham, if anyone comes to them from the dead, they will repent." "If they do not listen to the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.
Signs and wonders are not the ultimate purpose of Christianity. However, you must clearly realize that they are only a means to testify of the Word.
3. Beginning of persecution
The first place Paul's name appears in the book of Acts is 7:58. At this time, Paul was a young man who supported the martyrdom of Stephen. Paul, who persecuted those who believed like that, is now being persecuted for the sake of the gospel. In order to escape this persecution, they were driven out to other provinces. 14:6-7 says, "When they learned of it, they fled and went to Lystra and Derbe, the two cities of Lycaonia, and to its vicinity, and preached the gospel there."
Those who want to preach the gospel should not be afraid of persecution. Because persecution and suffering will surely follow where the gospel is preached. If we want to become disciples of Jesus, we must suffer what Jesus suffered. If there is no suffering on the cross, the resurrection There can be no glory.