Acts 14

Verses 1-4

¶ "In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went together into the synagogue of the Jews. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. However, the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brethren. For that reason, Paul and Barnabas stayed there a long time. They spoke boldly in the Lord who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the population of the city was divided —part sided with the Jews, and part with 

Verses 5-7

"A mob of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, were going to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas. However, Paul and Barnabas became aware of it, and escaped to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region. There they preached the gospel." (Acts 14:5-7).

Verses 8-10

"At Lystra a certain man sat with impotent feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb. He'd never walked. He was listening to Paul, who was speaking. Noticing this, Paul fixed his eyes on him, and saw that he had faith to be made whole. Paul said, with a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” The man leaped up and walked." (Acts 14:8-10).

Verses 11-13

"When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” They called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have made a sacrifice, joined by the multitudes." (Acts 14:11-13).

Verses 14-18

"But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes, and rushed into the crowd. They cried, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you. We preach the gospel to turn you from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them. In past generations he let all the nations go their own ways. Yet he didn't leave himself without witness. He did you good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons. He satisfied your hearts with food and gladness.” Even saying these things, they only just curbed the crowds from making a sacrifice to them." (Acts 14:14-18).

Verses 19-20

"A group of Jews from Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead. But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe" (Acts 14:19-20).

Verses 21-22

 "When Paul and Barnabas had preached the gospel to Derbe, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. They confirmed the souls of the disciples, urging them to continue in the faith. They taught that through much tribulation we must enter into the Kingdom of God" (Acts 14:21-22).

Verse 23

"Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for the disciples in every church. With prayer and fasting Paul and Barnabas committed these congregations to the Lord, on whom they had believed" (Acts 14:23).

Verses 24-26

"Paul and Barnabas next passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia. When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed to Antioch, whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had completed" (Acts 14:24-26).

Verses 27-28

"When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Antioch, they gathered the church together. They reported all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentile nations. Paul and Barnabas stayed for a long time with the disciples in Antioch" (Acts 14:27-28).

1. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21

2. “for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.” – Psalm 22:28

3. “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:17

4. “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” – Jeremiah 10:23

5. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20

6. “say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” – Isaiah 35:4

7. “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” – Exodus 33:14

8. “I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” –Isaiah 45:5-7