Context No. 3770 of 4322 · Acts

Acts 14:1-7: in context

1In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed. 2But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4But the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Jews and part with the apostles. 5When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them, 6they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region. 7There they preached the Good News.

At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas preach so effectively that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believe. But opposition rises: unbelievers poison the minds of others against them, and the city is split.

Notice their response to the growing hostility. They do not immediately flee; they stay a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirms the message of his grace with signs and wonders. Only when a violent plot to stone them is finally uncovered do they move on, and even then they go to the next towns and keep on preaching the good news. Two things stand out. Bold, faithful witness often provokes division; the same message that brings many to faith stirs others to opposition, and the apostles kept proclaiming it plainly rather than trimming it to avoid the conflict. And they showed a wise courage, staying to preach as long as they could, then moving on when they must, but never falling silent.

When my witness to Christ meets opposition and division, do I keep speaking with steady, courageous boldness, neither provoking recklessly nor falling silent out of fear?

Sources

Acts 14:1: "They entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed."
Acts 14:3: "Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace."
Acts 14:7: "There they preached the Good News."