Year 7, Day 247: Acts 14

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Once more we see the themes of the second half of Acts come true to life in the story.  Paul speaks out boldly.  He is not afraid of the truth.  He’s not particularly fearful of what people will think of the truth or think of him for telling the truth.  He speaks truth about God and is always interested in inviting people into relationship with God.  Paul’s focus is unwavering.

We see two more subthemes coming to the surface here in this chapter.  First, as a part of Paul’s focus he is always looking for an audience.  He is willing to talk to any person who will listen.  In Iconium, the city was divided; but there were some who were willing to listen.  In Lystra, there were people who thought that he and Barnabas were gods and were thus ready to listen.  In Derbe, there were clearly people who were willing to listen as we don’t even have any mention of trouble in that city.  Paul is always willing to join a conversation with anyone who will take time to consider what he has to say.

There is a deeper angle to consider when looking at Paul and his audience.  Paul lives with a confidence that he can turn any conversation into a conversation about God.  When people are arguing with him, He can certain talk about God.  When people are genuinely curious, he can certainly talk about God.  Even when people have the absolute wrong idea and want to make gods of Paul and Barnabas, Paul is confident that he can turn the conversation around and paint it the right way.  I believe that in order to have a mindset that is always looking for an audience presupposes the confidence to complete the conversation.

Finally, we also should look at the theme of staying in the midst of persecution.  Paul is willing to take a few hits as long as there are still people willing to listen.  He doesn’t run at the first sign of trouble.  Don’t get me wrong.  Paul doesn’t stay until he’s dead, either.  Paul sticks it out for as long as he can and then leaves.  Persecution will come.  The trick to preaching God’s Word is to preach with confidence and know when to stay, how long to stay, and when to move on to the next place where God is calling.  We will see this again and again in the book of Acts.

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