To be a Christian is to be a warrior.

The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battle-field.

Neither must he reckon upon the friendship of the world; for that would be enmity against God.

His occupation is war.

Dec 17, 2011

Turmoil in Antioch


Paul and Barnabus went to the synagogue…

to hear the reading of the scriptures…

on the sabbath day…

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.   But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.  Act 13:13-14 

Paul was  invited to speak…

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.  Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.  Act 13:15 -16

Seizing the opportunity…

He preached…

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. Acts 13:26 

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,  God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.  Acts 13:32-33 

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:  And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.  Act 13:38-39

And warned…

 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.  Act 13:40 -41

And  the word of God was gladly received…

And Paul was invited  to preach again…

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.  Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.  Act 13:42 -43

Exhortation.  Encouragement.  Perseverance.

The following sabbath….

a multitude gathered…

to hear the words of LIFE…

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.  Acts 13:44 

Immediately, opposition arose from the Jews…

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.  Acts 13:45 

Unwavering, Paul and Barnabus addressed the multitude…

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Acts 13:46-47 

Joy and gladness erupted…

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.  Acts 13:48 

Salvation had come!

And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
 Acts 13:49 

 
Unrelenting, the enemies of the gospel…

stirred up trouble…

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.  Acts 13:50 

Opposition. Persecution.  Expulsion.


How did Paul and Barnabus respond?

But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.   
Acts 13:51-52 

Cast out of the city for preaching the gospel…

Paul and Barnabus were  filled with joy…

And the Holy Ghost…

God  moved upon the hearts of the people…

And many came to Salvation!

SCORE!


Another victory for the King of Kings!



4 comments:

  1. It seems so often that Satan gets the opposite reaction
    he was looking for. I'm always reminded of the time the apostles were beaten by the Jewish leaders and they went away rejoicing that they had been accounted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You brought up and excellent point, Gretchen. One that is often cited in scripture. That which appears to be a defeat is turned into a great victory! It is one aspect of God that I find so fascinating and intriguing...He can take any situation meant for evil and turn it for good!

    Thank you for your comment.
    God Bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I really appreciate your blog. Keep up the good work. May the Lord bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. May you be continually blessed and encouraged to
    advance the cause of Christ in this generation! May the words posted here ignite a fire in your soul that will never be quenched. May you continue to fight the good fight of faith and uphold the banner of TRUTH. May God bless you with His peace that passes all understanding and bless the work and labor of your hands!
    In HIS name and for HIS glory.

    ReplyDelete