Speaking Boldly for the Lord

Day 172: Acts 13:42-52, 14:1-7

“So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” - Acts 14:3 ESV

In Iconium, as in every other city, Paul and Barnabas had set the entire community on fire with an awareness of God's presence through powerful teaching. The signs and wonders that followed were just further proof that this wasn't a hoax. Jesus was still alive and working among them.

The Jewish leaders again felt threatened and saw the need to stir up trouble. The entire town was divided. Still, progress was being made. People were confessing Jesus as Lord, receiving the grace of God.

Ever feel like resistance is high, and progress is slow? For Paul and Barnabas, it didn’t faze them. The message of Jesus was too important, and God gave them glimpses of what He was doing in the hearts of so many people.

God will give us the glimpses we need as well to keep going.

Don't be discouraged. Know that this isn't heaven. Remind yourself that even these powerful Apostles struggled with opposition. Also, we may need to reload with the following verse.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." - 1 John 4:4 NIV

"Paul and Barnabas decided that in view of the hostility they must spend some time in the town, and they continued to witness boldly in dependence on the power of God." - Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts. (Vol. 5, p. 247)