Paul Stoned

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

Acts 14:19-23

Paul and Barnabas made great the gospel in Lystra. But, the forces of evil were gathering and outsiders, Jews and Gentiles from Antioch and Iconium, came to Lystra to stir up the people against Paul and Barnabas. Paul was stoned and his body was dragged out of the city and left for dead by the evil people who had come to go against the gospel message being preached there. Friends and new converts to Christianity, under Paul’s preaching, gathered around Paul’s body supposing he was dead. Suddenly, Paul arose and went back into Lystra. The next day, Paul and Barnabas leave Lystra to go to Derbe. This stoning incident with Paul may be the “man” Paul spoke of in 2 Corinthians 12:2-3, who was caught up into Heaven and saw things he could not speak of in this life. After a successful evangelical campaign in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities of Lystra, Iconium and, Antioch to check on the churches that had been planted in those cities. As Paul and Barnabas strengthened the brethren in those cities, they also taught that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Then Paul and Barnabas set up a governing body of saints in each church, committing them to the Lord and blessing the entire church before leaving them to be witnesses to the gospel in their cities. Paul is the biblical example of the complete missionary who adheres to Jesus’ Great Commission and then establishes the church with its own people in governance. But, Paul also demonstrates his shepherding skills as he keeps up with each church and writes to some of them to encourage, to admonish and, to give additional instruction in the Christian life of the Church. Today, there are some who believe Paul’s methods to be antiquated and must be updated to what unbelievers want in witnessing and church worship. Jesus commanded Christians to go, tell, baptize and, make disciples teaching them all things Jesus taught His Disciples. God’s Word is the same yesterday, today and, forever. God’s Word, when preached, will not return to Him void! Christians, pray that the church you attend is a biblically based church that exalts our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Source: S C Ball July 5, 2023