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Verse-by-Verse Bible Study

Acts 14:19-28

ActsNew TestamentEnglishHiligaynon Version Available
These are the original teaching notes from this passage.
  • Misunderstood…
    • Causing Division…
      • When Paul came to the city of Iconium he continued to preach the Gospel of Grace…
      • The result were the same as Antioch – MANY Jew and Gentiles were saved…
      • But the Jews who did NOT believe – began to POISON people to the Gospel…
      • As a results the city was DIVIDED – half sided with the Jews and half with the Apostles…
      • When the Jews plotted to STONE Paul – they found out and left the city!
    • Lowered Expectations…
      • When they arrived in the city of Lystra – there was NO synagogue [and a different language]
      • Paul saw a lame man [from birth] who had the FAITH to be SAVED [σώζω]
      • He commanded the man to STAND – and he leapt to his feet…
      • But when the people saw it – they thought Barnabas was Zeus and Paul was Hermes [Greek gods]
      • Because they did NOT know the Word of God – so fell back on their PAGAN beliefs…
      • When Peter healed a LAME man – FIVE thousand were saved – Acts 4:4
      • But in the city of Lystra – the results were VERY different!
  • 1st – Not done… vs. 19-20
    • 1st – Left for dead… vs. 19
      • Silence the message… vs. 19
      • Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there and having persuaded the multitudes!
      • Paul had already been chased out of TWO cities…
      • ANTIOCH – the women had persuaded the leaders to expel them – Acts 13:50
      • ICONIUM – the unbelieving Jews had plotted to STONE Paul – Acts 14:5
      • But it was not enough for them to drive the Apostles out of their cities…
      • They wanted to make sure NO one heard the message of Jesus Christ!
      • There is a LONG history of people trying to silence those who live by Faith…
      • Those who LOVE [ἀγαπάω] their sin – do NOT want to be exposed by the light – John 3:19
      • So they will go to EXTREME measures to try and silence the messenger!
      • Hebrews 11:36-37 – “[By faith] some were [mocked] and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning. Some were sawed in half – and others were killed with the sword.”
      • If we feel like we are a TARGET – like people are out to GET us…
      • Remember we live in a world that does NOT want to hear about Jesus…
      • Therefore we should NOT be surprised when they try to SILENCE us!
      • Change of mind…
      • When they arrived in Lystra – they stirred up [indicative] the crowd against Paul…
      • The same crowd who Paul hardly kept from SACRIFICING to him [healed a lame man]
      • Yet they Jews were able to quickly convince them to KILL Paul…
      • Showing how quickly people can CHANGE their mind…
      • One minute Paul was the HERO of the hour – the next he was the VILLAIN…
      • The reason is because people FOLLOW the crowd…
      • If they CROWD wanted to offer sacrifices to Zeus and Hermes – people FOLLOWED…
      • If the CROWD changed and wanted to stone Paul – people FOLLOWED that too!
      • If we want to know what is in STYLE – how can we tell…
      • The way people find out – is by looking to see what others are doing…
      • But the problem is the definition is always CHANGING [big lips – curly hair – skinny jeans]
      • Matthew 7:13-14 – “Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
      • Those who are going with the flow – doing what EVERYONE else does…
      • Are likely going the wrong way – because they are on the WIDE path…
      • Following Jesus means that we do NOT go with the flow – we stand out…
      • But we do not worry about what others say about us – whisper behind our back…
      • Because what is more important is that we have the approval of Christ!
    • 2nd – Third Heaven… vs. 19
      • Stoned…
      • They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city – supposing [νομίζω] him to be dead!
      • The crowd STONED Paul – dragging [imperfect] him out of the city…
      • The Jews convinced [νομίζω] themselves they were acting lawfully by stoning Paul…
      • Because the LAW said to STONE anyone who preaches another god – Deuteronomy 13:6-10
      • John 16:2 – “The time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.”
      • Beyond description…
      • II Corinthians 12:2-4 – “I was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago… and heard things so astounding that they cannot be repeated.”
      • Paul does write about a DEATH experience in his letter to the Corinthians…
      • Where he was RAPTURED [ἁρπάζω] up to the THIRD heaven…
      • The FIRST heaven is the sky above us – the SECOND heaven is outer space…
      • The location Paul describes is the THIRD heaven – the dwelling place of God…
      • Likely the experience was the result of Paul being STONED to death in Lystra…
      • There in PARADISE [παράδεισος] – he heard things he was forbidden to repeat…
      • The suggestion is that what Paul heard was too wonderful to put into words!
      • I Corinthians 2:9 – “Eye has not seen – nor ear heard – nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
      • Heaven is not the most amazing place we could imagine – beyond our imagination…
      • It will take ages – literally THOUSANDS of years – in heaven for God to reveal it all to us!
    • 3rd – Keep preaching… vs. 20
      • Resurrected…
      • However when the disciples gathered around him he rose up!
      • But [δέ] as the DISCIPLES were gathered around him he rose up…
      • ROSE up [ἀνίστημι] – can also be translated RESURRECTED – Mark 16:9
      • Making his life a powerful ILLUSTRATION of Christ!
      • Colossians 1:24 – “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ.”
      • Not that there was anything lacking in the sacrifice of Jesus [the cross]
      • When the work was done Jesus said – it is FINISHED – nothing needed to be added…
      • But the people of Lystra were NOT there to see the cross – they did NOT see Jesus die…
      • So Paul was allowed to DIE – and be RESURRECTED – so others could see Jesus in him!
      • NO one notices – when we say we love Jesus if everything is going well…
      • But when BAD things happen – when we SUFFER – having done NOTHING wrong…
      • And rather than COMPLAIN – we REJOICE in the goodness of God…
      • People take notice – through our SUFFERING – they see Jesus in us!
      • Knowing the cost…
      • [He] went into the city – and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe!
      • Paul went BACK into the city – to the very people that had just STONED him…
      • I am sure Paul felt almost invincible – even DEATH could NOT stop him…
      • And I have to imagine Paul was FIRED up – because he had just seen HEAVEN…
      • He understood what was at stake – he knew what he was fighting for!
      • In 2006 Hezbollah declared war on Israel and began shelling the city of Haifa…
      • Most people ran away – but we ran towards the war – to help people…
      • While there we were under missile sirens – we were being bombed…
      • But there was NO fear – because we knew we were safe in the Lords hands…
      • And if it was out time to go – we knew where we were going!
      • If we ever got a glimpse of the unimaginable splendor and glory of heaven…
      • Or if we ever felt the unspeakable horror – darkness of hell…
      • We would spend every moment pleading with people to receive Jesus Christ…
      • Just because people reject the Gospel or attack us – does NOT mean we give up…
      • All the more we need to fight for them – because we know where they are going!
  • 2nd – Finishing the Work … vs. 21-23
    • 1st – Not easy… vs. 21-22
      • Death tour… vs. 21
      • When they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples.
      • They returned to Lystra – Iconium – and Antioch!
      • Paul and Barnabas went to one final city – DERBE [tanner]
      • And preached the Gospel [εὐαγγελίζω] – making many more DISCIPLES [μαθητεύσαντες]
      • Then they went BACK – into Lystra – where he had been STONED…
      • And into Iconium – and Antioch – where the Jews came from who STONED him!
      • When Jonah was spit up out of the whale [resurrected after three days]
      • He came into the wicked city of Nineveh and commanded them to repent…
      • The result was a REVIVAL – and the city turned to the Lord – Jonah 3:6-10
      • Strengthened… vs. 22
      • Strengthening the souls of the disciples – exhorting them to continue in the faith saying:
      • We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God!
      • Paul came back to these cities to STRENGTHEN the disciples…
      • STRENGTHEN [ἐπιστηρίζω] – where we get the word STEROIDS…
      • By telling them to CONTINUALLY [present] live by faith [πίστις]
      • CONTINUE [ἐμμένω] – from the root word ABIDE [μένω] – John 15:4
      • The way they would learn to ABIDE continually in Jesus…
      • Was through many TRIBULATIONS [θλῖψις] – John 16:33
      • Paul had just been STONED to death – following Jesus was NOT easy…
      • But he was also POOF [resurrected] that God had power – even over death…
      • And if they ENDURED their TRIBULATION – they would enter the Kingdom of God!
      • The Gospel is NOT a message of an easy life – it is all about PERSPECTIVE…
      • God allows us to go through TRIALS – so that we learn to DEPEND on Jesus…
      • Like a tree that has stood through many TYPHOONS…
      • We become unmovable – unshakable – grounded and rooted in Christ!
      • Colossians 2:7 – “Let your roots grow down into [Jesus] and draw up nourishment from Him so you will grow in faith – strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught.”
    • 2nd – Raising up leaders… vs. 23
      • Titles…
      • When they had appointed elders in every church!
      • APPOINTED [χειροτονέω] – to stretch out [τείνω] hands [χείρ]
      • The word only occurs TWO times in the NT [also] – II Corinthians 8:19
      • Although it does appear TWICE non-canonically – II Timothy 4:22 – Titus 3:15
      • This is where we get the practice of ORDAINING pastors…
      • The title ELDERS – is common in the book of Acts [10 times]
      • It is one of THREE words used to describe LEADERS in the church…
      • These terms are used interchangeably in the New Testament!
      • BISHOP [ἐπισκοπή] – their RESPONSIBILITY – to PROTECT the people – I Timothy 3:1-7
      • PASTOR [ποιμήν] – their PURPOSE – to TEACH the people – Ephesians 4:11
      • ELDER [πρεσβύτερος] – their EXPERIENCE – to LEAD the people!
      • Not appointed…
      • Note the timing of WHEN Paul appointed these ELDERS…
      • It was NOT until they went BACK to these THREE cities…
      • Only then did they APPOINT elders in every church [ἐκκλησία]
      • If Paul had been quick to appoint ELDERS – he would have been GUESSING…
      • Only TIME could say if God had called someone to be a leader!
      • The man with a Bible in his hands teaching the people – must be a pastor…
      • The guy who the women who loves to PRAISE – must be a worship leader!
      • It is NOT about appointing – it is about recognizing the ANOINTING of God…
      • It is about recognizing the work of God – the calling to love and minister to His people…
      • Never be in a rush – do not lay hands on anyone hastily – I Timothy 5:22
      • Anointed…
      • [With] prayer with fasting they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed!
      • Note it was NOT done by VOTE – or through a COLLEGE degree…
      • It was done by PRAYER and FASTING [to hear the choice of God]
      • COMMENDING them to the Lord [κύριος] – in whom they put [pluperfect] their FAITH [πίστις]
      • Because only the Lord had the ability to make these leader STAND [παρατίθημι]
      • The best ideas – the most qualified people – can do nothing WITHOUT the power of God…
      • The worst ideas – the least qualified – CANNOT fail when God is on their side!
      • Too often people are APPOINTED to a position – with disastrous results…
      • Just because there is a NEED – does NOT mean we should put someone in the POSITION…
      • Having certain gifts or abilities – does NOT mean someone is CALLED…
      • The question is whom has God chosen – who has God ANOINTED for a work!
  • 3rd – Tell the Story… vs. 24-28
    • 1st – The Grace of God… vs. 24-26
      • Coming home… vs. 24-25
      • After they had passed through Pisidia – they came to Pamphylia.
      • Now when they had preached the word in Perga – they went down to Attalia!
      • Having raised up ELDERS in the church – they began to work their way back home…
      • They traveled back through the PROVINCES of Pisidia and Pamphylia – Acts 13:13-14
      • And when they had preached [aorist] the Word [λόγος] in Perga…
      • Perhaps because they did NOT get to share before because that is where John left them…
      • They then went down into Attalia [port city] – where they caught a boat back to Antioch!
      • Finished… vs. 26
      • From there they sailed to Antioch – where they had been commended to the grace of God.
      • For the work which they had completed!
      • They came back to Antioch [their home church]
      • Who had [imperfect] GIVEN [perfect] them to the GRACE [χάρις] of God…
      • And it was through GRACE [instrumental] they had COMPLETED the work…
      • Bringing an END to the FIRST missionary journey!
      • We often worry about how things are going to turn out in life…
      • Will we be successful in at our JOB – will we have a Godly FAMILY…
      • But it turns out we have NO reason to worry – we can be confident…
      • Because being successful is now about WHAT we do – but WHO we know – Jesus!
    • 2nd – Sharing… vs. 27-28
      • The report… vs. 27
      • 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!
      • When they gathered the church – the gave them the REPORT…
      • Telling them how God had opened up the DOOR to the Nations [ἔθνος]
      • They had shown how ANYONE – ANYWHERE – could put their FAITH in Jesus…
      • Because of the FIRST missionary journey – the church was NO longer just for Jews…
      • Which is going to immediately be CHALLENGED [next week]!
      • We tend to get caught up in our own little world…
      • Oblivious to what God is doing on a grander scale…
      • It is good to hear the reports of how God is working all over the world!
      • When God does a work in our lives – we can be hesitant to share with others…
      • We do NOT want to seem to be boasting – we do NOT want to draw attention to ourselves…
      • But it is a blessing for others to hear what God is doing in our lives…
      • Not to give credit to us – but to show the goodness and faithfulness of Jesus!
      • Psalms 26:7 – “Proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving – tell of all Your wondrous works.”
      • Long time… vs. 28
      • So they stayed there a long time with the disciples!
      • Paul and Barnabas stayed [imperfect] a LONG time there in Antioch…
      • LONG time [χρόνον οὐκ ὀλίγον] – is a common euphemism in Acts for an EXTENDED period!
      • Likely they returned from their FIRST trip around 49 A.D.
      • The Counsel of Jerusalem is thought to take place about a YEAR later – Acts 15:1
      • It was during this YEAR – that Paul wrote his FIRST letter [Galatians]
      • Galatia is not a city – it is the REGION encompassing many of the cities Paul went to…
      • So he was writing to encourage those who were saved to continue to walk in GRACE…
      • Warning them NOT fall back into living by the LAW!
      • Galatians 5:1 – “Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
      • Because as amazing as the WORK of the FIRST missionary journey was…
      • The challenges to the Gospel going out into the world had just begun…
      • And as we will see next week – the idea ANYONE could be saved [Jew or Gentile]
      • The Gospel of Grace needed to be defended!