Overcoming Opposition - Acts 14:8-23
By David Woods
We often associate the thought of opposition with great trials or adversity. However, opposition can come in several different forms. In our lesson today, we see several faces of opposition. Opposition may take the form of unrelenting criticism and slander, physical persecution, spiritual drift (or compromise) in the good times, or a creeping discouragement from weariness. The principle we should learn from our scripture is this:
Big Idea: The messenger of Christ must be steadfast in every situation.
1. Opposed as Troublemakers, Acts 14:1-7.
Paul and Barnabus’ ministry in Iconium had all the signs of being a huge success. They went to the synagogue and spoke so effectively that a huge number of both Jews and Greeks trusted in Christ.
However, the unbelieving Jews “stirred up” the Greeks and “poisoned” (English Standard Version) their minds against them. A good reputation can take years to create, yet it can be destroyed easily. It appears that Paul and Barnabus’ reputations had been destroyed in this city, though due to no fault of their own.
Yet verse three tells us that Paul and Barnabus continued to minister in Iconium.
Discussion: Why would Paul and Barnabus stay in a place even though many people distrusted them and therefore their work would be much more difficult?
Discussion: How did they minister, in spite of this opposition?
(They spoke boldly and their ministry was accompanied by miracles, evidence that God was blessing their efforts.)
Finally, the opposition grew so strong that Paul and Barnabus fled. They had heard of the people’s plans to stone them. The critical person could say they lacked faith; they should have believed God to intervene. Others would say their departure simply was wisdom.
Discussion: How can you tell whether actions like these are driven by fear or wisdom?
Discussion: How can we avoid having such a low tolerance for pain or discomfort so that we will not be constantly running from problems?
Discussion: What is a sign that Paul and Barnabus’ flight was not due to a lack of faith? (v. 7)
2. Effective as Ministers, Acts 14:8-10.
Discussion: How did Paul realize this man had the faith to be healed? Was it something in the man’s expression? Or was it more due to a nudge from the Holy Spirit? Would anyone in that situation have been able to see this man’s faith?
Discussion: Do we have this kind of discernment? What must we do to become more spiritually discerning?
3. Honored as Gods, Acts 14:11-18.
After being strongly opposed in Iconium and threatened with death, Paul and Barnabus now find a people in Lystra wildly joyful over their presence.
Discussion: Haven’t you ever wished to receive more appreciation? Is this desire for approval wrong?
Think about it. The people were happy. They were unenlightened pagans. The light of the Gospel was very dim to them, but they were now incredibly excited about God’s missionaries - Paul and Barnabus.
Discussion: Why didn’t Paul and Barnabus simply go along with the people’s “misguided” worship - and then sort out the theology later?
Discussion: What are some ways we can rob God of the honor due Him?
(Imagine this scenario. The cashier miscounts your cash back. As you walk out the store, you realize she gave you an extra dollar. You go back and explain what happened. She says, “I can’t believe it. Most people would never return a dollar. They would say it wasn’t that big of a deal.” At this point you could: 1) leave her thinking you are just a very “good” person or 2) give God the honor by saying, “The reason I came back is that I am a follower of Christ. Christ wants me to live a life of integrity, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant the issue.”)
Discussion: What might we learn from Paul and Barnabus’ strong, immediate reaction? (vv. 14-17)
(To delay giving God honor due Him is to rob Him of His honor. We should be careful never to try to gain personal glory from the power of God.)
4. Steadfast When Persecuted, Acts 14:19-28.
Paul and Barnabus could not win for losing! First, the people thought they were gods. Then, they attempted to kill Paul. It could be very tempting to become greatly discouraged after such events. Surely, the emotional roller coaster they were on must have been quite unsettling. But when the believers were able to revive Paul, the scripture says that they went back into the city. They went to Derbe and made many disciples, but then returned to Lystra where Paul was almost killed, Iconium where they were threatened with death, and Antioch of Pisidia where the leading men of the city had stirred up persecution against them.
Discussion: Does it really make sense for Paul and Barnabus to return to the very places they were opposed so greatly? Why did they feel the need to return?
(Lessons we can learn from their return: 1) they were not afraid of opposition for they believed God to be able to provide for them, 2) their church planting efforts were unfinished as they need to appoint elders in the churches, v. 23, and 3) they were greatly concerned that the new believers would remain steadfast in the faith, v. 22.)
In Paul and Barnabus’ example I see three great qualities:
- They were fearless. They would not allow anything to discourage them from serving their Lord to their fullest potential.
- They were focused. They would not allow anything to distract them from their purpose of glorifying God.
- They were faithful. They would not allow anything to derail their service to the King.
Discussion: What enabled Paul and Barnabus to be so bold and unswerving in their ministry?
(I believe the answer is indicated in last week’s lesson. They were filled with the Spirit. Yet I believe it was not simply this anointing for ministry that gave them such boldness, but the fact that they had been filled with the Spirit or entirely sanctified, some time before.)
Discussion: Why and how does the lack of entire sanctification hinder one’s ministry?
(The issue is carnality. The carnal nature is more concerned about self-preservation that honoring God. The carnal nature desires to feed its ego. The difference is between being Self-focused and Spirit-filled.)
Discussion: How does entire sanctification help one’s service for Christ?