Tribulation and Growth

Acts 14:24

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

 

Paul and Barnabas were going from city to city preaching the gospel. At Iconium they spoke to the Jews first and a great number of Jews and Greeks believed, but the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the believers. But they still remained for quite a long time speaking boldly about the Lord. Since the city was divided, a plot was made to stone them so they went to Lsytra and Derbe.   Tribulation: nearly stoned

 

At Lystra was a man crippled from birth. As he listened to Paul preach, Paul saw his faith was great so he healed him. When the people saw this, they thought they were gods in human form [Zeus, Hermes]. The priest of Zeus was bring offerings to them. But when Paul and Barnabas heard of this, they tore their garments and rushed into the crowd asking why. He declared they were men and their message was to turn them from vain things to the living God. But unbelieving Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the crowd to stone Paul outside the city. Thinking him dead, they left. But he was not. God still had more for him to do. From here they went to Derbe. Tribulation: mistaken for heathen gods and stoned

 

At Derbe they preached and had many followers. After this they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen the souls of the disciples,  to encourage them to continue in the faith, and  to say that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. An encouragement and a warning! The church grew and believers endured much tribulation. In this tribulation they relied on God all the more. It seems as if the greater the persecution, the greater the growth. Certainly through their ministry God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

 

Father,

I know that in tribulation You are closer than ever. I know that growth is the result, but strengthen me so that I may endure with joy. I know that You are my help and my refuge, but in the hard time, prompt me to call out to You and not rely on the flesh.

In Jesus name,

Amen