Theme Number 32 Gospel Work in Asia Minor

Acts 14:1-28
In Pisidian Antioch  13: 13-51
Paul went first to the Jewish Synagogue on the Sabbath Day where he was asked to speak.
He gave a summary of Jewish History Egypt to Canaan, to the Judges and Samuel. From King David to the Messiah whom the Jews had killed by Pilate in accordance with the testimony of the prophets.
But God raised Him up from the dead and He was seen with his disciples for many days. He then quoted the prophecies from Ps 2:7; Isaiah 55:3 and Ps 16:10 showing that the Messiah’s body did not see decay. From these Scriptures he spoke of the resurrection, forgiveness of sins and Justification

The Next Sabbath Day the whole city of Antioch was gathered to hear the Word of the Lord. The Jews became filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul had said. Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly saying,”We spoke the Message to you Jews first, but since you reject it we now turn to the gentiles.”
They Quoted Isaiah 49:6 “ I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring Salvation to the ends of the earth”. The Gentiles were glad and honoured the Message of the Lord.

But the Jews stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region.Vv 49-52
Work of the Gospel at Iconium, Derbe, Lystra.
They went as usual to the jewish Synagogue in Iconium
Great numbers of Jews and Gentiles believed as they spoke the Gospel effectively. They spent a considerable time there speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His Grace with signs and wonders. Those in Opposition intended to do them harm and stone them. They fled to Lystra and Derbe.

In Lystra an impotent man at Lystra healed. Acts 14:8-20
This man who was lame from birth and who had never walked listened to Paul intently. Paul looked at him directly and saw that he had faith to be healed.  Paul shouted out, “Stand up on your feet!” Immediately the man jumped up and began to walk.
At this the people of Lystra shouted out , The gods have come down to us in human form.” Barnabas they called Zeus and Paul Hermes as he was the chief speaker. They wanted to sacrifice to them with bulls and  wreaths.
The Apostles ran in among the crowd and tried to stop them sacrificing to them.
Paul stoned. Vv19-20
Then some of the jews from Antioch and Iconium won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city as dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him he got up and returned back into the city the next day Barnabas and Paul left for Derbe.

Conclusion
Those who speak boldly in the Lord need not think it strange if the preaching of the Gospel occasions divisions.  Neither should they be offended by the insults heaped upon them by embittered and convicted spirits. They shall be made strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and God shall confirm their testimony in granting wonders to be done by their hands.
Key Word: Giving testimony, Act_14:3.