Acts 14:11-23
Session 3: The Truth
***Believers must declare Jesus to be the living God.
11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought bulls and wreaths to the gates because he intended, with the crowds, to offer sacrifice.
SIDENOTE (SN): In Lystra, Paul had healed a lame man which is why he had the attention of many people of that area.
Question: How can we make sure our witness keeps the focus on Jesus, not ourselves? What expectations have you encountered from unbelievers who deny God's works?
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Proclaiming the Living God: Acts 14:14-18
Application Point: We should take every opportunity to clearly communicate who God is and wat He has done.
14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 15 “People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.[a] 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to go their own way, 17 although he did not leave himself without a witness, since he did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.” 18 Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.
SN: The ripping of clothes is a sign of mourning in other passages of the Bible. The action was also used to communicate intense sorrow or when blasphemy has occurred.
Question: What danger did Paul and Barnabas put themselves in by describing the people's gods as worthless things? Why did the apostles think it was worth it to confront the people with the truth?
Opposition Faced: Acts 14:19-20
Application Point: We can prepare for opposition by building strong relationships with other believers.
19 Some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. 20 After the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
SN: Paul demonstrated incredible courage by reentering the city after he had been stoned and left for dead.
Question: Why would the Jews from Antioch and Iconium travel more than 100 miles to harass Paul and Barnabas?
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Encouragement Given: Acts 14:21-23
Application Point: Be ready to encourage others to remain steadfast in the face of hardships.
21 After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the[b] disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Question: Why did the missionaries return to the cities where they had been before? What concerns might they have had?
Question: What helps you remain steadfast in your trust in God when difficulties arise? How have you encouraged others to follow Christ with confidence?
***CHALLENGE:
***Ask God for more opportunities to share the truth about who He is--and the boldness to follow up on those chances.
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