Stand Up Straight!

Acts 14:1- Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.  NKJV

Paul and Barnabas have made their way to Iconium. They went to the synagogue, as was their custom, to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that while they were sharing, a great multitude believed.

Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.

Acts 14:1 NKJV

But the enemy wasn’t happy with the results—he never is! And as the multitude believed, those who did not believe stirred up the waters.

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 

Acts14:2 NKJV

They poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren. So Paul and Barnabas stayed there for a long time. It doesn’t say how long they remained, but we can assume it was longer than a few months.

Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Acts 14:3 NKJV

While they were there, preaching and teaching, signs and wonders were being done by their hands. We don’t know what those signs and wonders were, we are just told that they were done. I can imagine that healings were taking place. People’s needs were being met. God was moving amongst them. And the people believed all the more.

But the enemy was not happy! He continued to stir up trouble, to the point that the city was divided. Half believed and half didn’t.

And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.

Acts 14:5-6 NKJV

As you would imagine it, things became pretty rough. They decided to stone Paul and Barnabas, causing them to flee to Lystra.

 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.

Acts 14:8 NKJV

Paul and Barnabas continued to evangelize. At Lystra, Paul was preaching, when he saw a man who had never walked. Perceiving that this man had the faith to be healed, Paul said:

“Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.

Acts 14:10 NKJV

Can you imagine? You’re sitting in a church setting, and a person you know has been without mobility for the entirety of their life suddenly is told to get up, and they do it? I don’t know what church you go to, but in my church, we would go wild! Well, that’s what happened in Lystra! The church went wild and said,

“The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

Acts 14:11 NKJV

So they went a little wilder than we would have gone, but the point is they thought the gods had come down amongst them.

And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.

Acts 14:12-13 NKJV

We would think that God had done a notable miracle. We would have rejoiced that the person had been healed. We would have given God the glory! But they thought the gods had come down to them and proceeded to prepare to make a sacrifice.

But Paul and Barnabas were irate! They couldn’t believe what was happening. Before their very eyes, the people were going to sacrifice to them. So they tried to stop it!

“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 

Acts 14:15-17 NKJV

But the people wanted to sacrifice to them. And Paul and Barnabas could hardly stop them. But Jews from Antioch and Iconium had come to Lystra. And they saw their chance to get rid of Paul and so they stirred the people up.

 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 

Acts 14:19 NKJV

The people dragged Paul out of the city and stoned him. And thinking they had killed him they turned away.

However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Acts 14:20 NKJV

But the Bible says that is not how the story ended! The disciples gathered around Paul. And what do you think they did in that circle? They prayed! And God did an unusual thing in that he raised Paul up and they went into the very city of the people who stoned him. Then they departed to Derbe!

Paul and Barnabas are out to share the gospel. They meet with obstacles on every hand, but they persevere and share the message of hope that they believe will change people’s lives. They return to cities where people love them and hate them. They strengthen the people in churches and place leaders in positions of authority, all in the name of Jesus! And then they returned to Antioch, where they were commissioned to go forth!

Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Acts 14:27-28 NKJV

Paul and Barnabas have completed a journey of faith! They have shared the gospel and have seen amazing results. People have been healed, delivered, and made whole all by the name of Jesus! Thousands have come to Christ and churches have planted. And now, they are home for more teaching and preaching, and rest and relaxation, for the journey before them are filled with obstacles to their faith.

Today, maybe you see yourself in Paul and Barnabas’ travels. Maybe you are just starting out, have been around the block a few times, or are resting. Wherever you find yourself, know that God is with you. He is there to encourage you and to uphold you. He will bless your coming and going and will fill you with the assurance of His love! Be encouraged today! Wonderful Jesus!