April 18, 2023 – Tuesday
Acts 14:2 NIV
2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
Comments
Yesterday we discussed the prior verse, 1 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed and the likelihood they simply spoke of the Risen Christ and that was sufficient to bring many to the faith.
Today we have the following verse about Jews who refused to believe, 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. They not only refused to believe but did their best (worst?) to ensure others did not believe while poisoning their minds against both Paul and Barnabas.
This is fascinating as it shows people not only had the choice to believe or not to believe, but that some so opposed the message about Jesus the Christ, it was as if they hated the message. So, they chose to not only not believe but to stir up opposition to the message. We don’t know what they said or did, but we know from this verse they somehow poisoned the minds of non-believers against Paul and Barnabas.
Nonetheless, 3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. In spite of the opposition engendered against them, they spoke boldly of the Lord. And God made their message even stronger by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
Even while more people came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, 4 The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. 6 But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7 where they continued to preach the gospel.
All of this continues to this very day. The number of the people in the faith continues to grow while opposition also continues to grow. Evidence of this abounds as attacks against churches and pro-life centers grows as well as murders of Christians.
Bottom Line: God’s word remains powerful which is why so many do their best to avoid church or reading their bibles. Still, His word is out there and lives (souls) are saved and continue to be saved. Do not quit sharing how and why you live a life of faith.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Even in times of trials and tribulation You remain true to Your word. We are so grateful for Your love and mercy.. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek