Acts 14. “[They] spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed… but the people of the city were divided.” (14:1,4) Do you see what is happening in Acts 13-14?

Paul and Barnabas are making their way through cities in ancient Turkey and Greece – Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and others. God is blessing their ministry in a powerful way. A great number of Jews and Greeks believed (14:1), they spoke boldly and bore witness and a great many signs and wonders were done (14:3). They healed (14:10), preached the gospel and made many disciples (14:21), and they strengthened and encouraged other disciples to continue in the faith (14:22). God opened a door of faith for the Gentiles (14:27).

So, we think – yay, how fantastic! This is what successful ministry looks like! Applause all around. But did you pay attention to the text? The ministry was successful – but there were many moments when it did not FEEL successful. It felt difficult, draining, threatening, and discouraging. Paul and Barnabas faced two significant temptations in ministry:

The apostles faced a temptation to be discouraged. As the gospel was presented and received well by many, the opposition grew. (Remember, this also happened to Jesus.) Those in opposition stirred up protests (14:2), poisoned the minds of others (14:2), mistreated the apostles (14:5), persuaded the crowds to resist and riot (14:19), and stoned Paul and left him for dead (14:19). Yet the apostles carried on the mission, in faith and in the strength of the Holy Spirit, and with the support of believing communities.

The apostles faced a temptation to accept glory for themselves. A miraculous public healing causes the crowds in Iconium to want to worship Paul and Barnabas (14:8-18). In a Greek Gentile city full of gods, temples, priests, and sacrificial worship practices – the crowds want to elevate the apostles. The priest of Zeus even brings out garlands and oxen to be sacrificed in worship of Paul and Barnabas. (Do you remember King Herod? He had the same thing happen, and he embraced his god-like status and God Almighty struck him dead for that.) The apostles are horrified, “Why are you doing these things?! We are also men!” and call the city to “Turn from these worthless things [gods] to the living God who made heaven and earth!” The apostles resist the temptation to seek glory for themselves.

As we pray for the expansion of the kingdom of God in our day, we pray for a successful response to the gospel. Let us also pray for clarity and courage as we face discouragement in the hard times; and pray for caution that we would not seek our own glory in the good times. May God strengthen our souls, encourage us to continue in the faith, and remind us to not be surprised because through many tribulations we enter the kingdom of God. (14:22).

What stood out to you in Acts 14?