Acts 14

Throughout the book of Acts we see the persecution of the early church and disciples continue and even intensify. The church and the Jews who did not succumb to the teachings of the disciples were divided greatly, so much that the persecution became intense. Paul and Barnabas would often have to escape under cover of night to avoid being stoned. In one instance Paul was stoned and left for dead. However, the disciples surrounded him, prayed, and he rose going back into the city. Can you imagine the surprise of any which stoned him who might have seen him?

The major implication from chapter fourteen for me is the continued opposition which the disciples faced. This opposition was from the staunch believers of the the Jewish system and the ways of Moses. They refused to believe that Jesus was the true Messiah. They wanted to continue in the ways of old and stay content in the comfortable ways of life. Because of this mindset of the old guard the early church faced a choice, do we cower under pressure or do we press on with the mission which God has placed before us. Thankfully for you and me they didn't stop preaching Jesus Christ risen and glorified. They stayed true to the mission and many came to faith. How many times do we face the same choice as Paul and Barnabas? How often must we decide between cowering or pressing on? Let us hold to the words Paul spoke to the church of Thessalonica which say, "Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good."

Lessons we Learn:
1. Persecution will continue to come so we must not grow weary, just press on.
2. Not everyone will welcome the new ways of God, but I am not responsible for their actions just for being faithful to my calling.
3. God will raise me up when I am beaten down by the weight of life.