Miracles, Persecution, and Persistence

Journey through Acts | Acts 14: Miracles, Persecution, and Persistence

This study follows Paul and Barnabas through the challenges and triumphs of the first missionary journey recorded in the New Testament. In Acts 14, a dramatic sequence of events unfolds in Lystra—beginning with the miraculous healing of a man crippled from birth, leading to the apostles being mistaken for Greek gods, and culminating in Paul being stoned and left for dead.

Key themes in this study include:

The Fickleness of Crowds: The same witnesses who hailed Paul as a god quickly turned to violence under the influence of outside agitators.

Grit and Grace: Paul's miraculous recovery and his courageous decision to return to the very cities where he faced persecution.

The Biblical Pattern of Missions: Why faithful mission work focuses on long-term discipleship and church planting rather than mere conversion numbers.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the necessity of perseverance and leadership development when facing tribulation for the gospel.