The Book of Acts ~ Study Forty-Six

"A Place of Opposition"

Acts 14:1-7 (NLT) The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them. Some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.
   Then a mob of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them. When the apostles learned of it, they fled to the region of Lycaonia—to the towns of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding area. And there they preached the Good News.


Iconium was a place of opposition for Paul and Barnabas. All Christians do have enemies. We may not realize it so much here in the United States and other free countries, but we do. The  Voice of the Martyrs website is persecution.com if you would like to know the extent of the persecution of Christians. More and more we are facing opposition. We need to prepare for those days for they will be coming.

What are some oppositions have you faced as a believer?

Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble. But, He said for us to take heart because He has overcome the world. It may not seem like it right now but He is the ultimate Victor. It's by faith that we trust and move forward daily. The Apostles knew this and even though I'm sure they experienced fear, they continued spreading the Good News found in Jesus.

Matthew 10:21-22 (NLT) “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved."

With faith comes endurance. The message that you speak on behalf of Jesus may cause some people to hate you. When this happens pray for that person. Do not repay their hatred with hatred. Instead love them as Jesus calls you to.

Luke 6:24-30 (MSG) But it's trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you'll ever get. And it's trouble ahead if you're satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long. And it's trouble ahead if you think life's all fun and games. There's suffering to be met, and you're going to meet it.
   "There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.
   "To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

This lesson isn't to bring you down or scare you off. It's meant to reassure you that you are not left alone in this world. Jesus' Holy Spirit dwells within you giving you the words you need to say. He protects you and defends you. Even if you die telling others about Jesus, He had that covered too. Your life will go on into eternity with Him. This truth is what allowed the Apostles to continue in their work.

Philippians 1:6 (NLT) And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

God is faithful. Be bold and continue in the work He calls you to do. Be faithful as He is faithful. It's all going to be ok.