Day 5: Acts 14:21-28 - Follow Up (The Return Trip to Antioch in Syria)
A great number of people have heard the gospel and become disciples of the Lord Jesus on this mission trip!
Pisidian Antioch
13:44 “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.”
13:48-49 “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honoured the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”
Iconium
14:1 “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.”
Derbe
14:21 “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples.”
The question is: will these new believers persevere?
As you think about the circumstances of these Christians, what will make it hard for them to persevere?
How do Paul and Barnabas seek to help them persevere?
From beginning to end, Paul and Barnabas see this missionary work as God’s work. They were sent out by the Holy Spirit to speak the word of the Lord, and in verse 27 they report back all that “God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”
Whose hands does perseverance ultimately rest in? (You could read Romans 8:28-39 too if you have time).
1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.
2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.
3. Pray for the Frasers in Slovenia