Perseverance in Ministry
Paul and Barnabas continue to preach despite opposition. So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders (Acts 14:3).

Division and Opposition
The Gospel often causes division. The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles (Acts 14:4).

Miracles as a Testimony
The healing of the lame man in Lystra serves as a powerful testimony to God's power. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed, and called out, 'Stand up on your feet!' And the man jumped up and began to walk (Acts 14:9-10).

Misunderstanding and Idolatry
The people of Lystra mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them (Acts 14:13).

Suffering for the Gospel
Paul is stoned and left for dead, yet he continues his mission. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city (Acts 14:20).

Strengthening the Disciples
Paul and Barnabas encourage the new believers. They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, 'We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God' (Acts 14:22).Boldness in Witnessing
Be courageous in sharing your faith, even when faced with opposition.

Discernment in Ministry
Recognize and address misunderstandings about the Gospel.

Endurance in Trials
Trust in God's strength to persevere through hardships.

Encouragement in Community
Support and strengthen fellow believers in their faith journey.1. Paul
Paul, also known as Saul, is a central figure in Acts 14. He is an apostle and missionary who travels with Barnabas to spread the Gospel. In this chapter, Paul performs miracles, preaches to both Jews and Gentiles, and faces persecution. The Greek name "Παῦλος" (Paulos) is used for Paul.

2. Barnabas
Barnabas is a companion of Paul and a fellow missionary. He is described as a "good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" in earlier chapters. In Acts 14, he works alongside Paul in preaching and performing miracles. His name in Greek is "Βαρνάβας" (Barnabas), which means "son of encouragement."

3. A Crippled Man
This man, who had been lame from birth, is healed by Paul in Lystra. His healing leads to the crowd mistaking Paul and Barnabas for gods. The Greek text refers to him as "ἀνήρ" (aner), meaning "man."

4. Jews from Antioch and Iconium
These individuals come to Lystra and persuade the crowd to stone Paul. They are opponents of Paul and Barnabas, seeking to stop their missionary work.

5. The Crowd in Lystra
The people of Lystra initially mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods, calling Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes." They later turn against Paul under the influence of the Jews from Antioch and Iconium.

6. The Disciples
These are the followers of Jesus in the cities Paul and Barnabas visit. They are encouraged and strengthened by Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journey.1. Iconium
In Acts 14:1, Paul and Barnabas visit Iconium, where they enter the Jewish synagogue and speak in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believe. Iconium was an ancient city in what is now modern-day Turkey. The Greek name "Ἰκόνιον" (Ikonion) reflects its historical significance as a center of early Christian activity.

2. Lystra
Acts 14:6-8 describes how Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra after facing threats in Iconium. Lystra is notable for the healing of a man crippled from birth, which leads the local population to mistakenly believe that Paul and Barnabas are gods. The Greek name "Λύστρα" (Lystra) indicates its location in the region of Lycaonia.

3. Derbe
In Acts 14:6, Paul and Barnabas also travel to Derbe, another city in Lycaonia. After preaching the gospel there, they make many disciples. The Greek "Δέρβη" (Derbe) suggests its role as a key location in their missionary efforts.

4. Antioch in Pisidia
Acts 14:21 refers to Paul and Barnabas returning to Antioch in Pisidia after their time in Derbe. This city, distinct from Antioch in Syria, was an important Roman colony in the region of Pisidia. The Greek "Ἀντιόχεια" (Antiocheia) denotes its significance as a hub for spreading the Christian message.

5. Perga
In Acts 14:25, Paul and Barnabas pass through Perga on their return journey. Perga was a city in Pamphylia, known for its temple of Artemis. The Greek "Πέργη" (Perge) highlights its cultural and religious importance in the ancient world.

6. Attalia
Acts 14:25 also mentions Attalia, where Paul and Barnabas sail back to Antioch. Attalia, now known as Antalya, was a port city in Pamphylia. The Greek "Ἀττάλεια" (Attaleia) reflects its role as a gateway for travel and trade.

7. Antioch in Syria
Finally, in Acts 14:26, Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch in Syria, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had completed. This Antioch served as a major center for early Christianity and the starting point for their missionary journeys. The Greek "Ἀντιόχεια" (Antiocheia) again denotes its prominence in the early church.1. Preaching in Iconium
Paul and Barnabas spoke effectively in the Jewish synagogue in Iconium, leading to a great number of Jews and Greeks believing. The Greek word used for "spoke" is "ἐλάλησαν" (elalēsan), indicating a continuous action of speaking or preaching (Acts 14:1).

2. Division and Opposition
The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. Despite this, Paul and Barnabas stayed a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord (Acts 14:2-3).

3. Signs and Wonders
The Lord confirmed the message of His grace by enabling Paul and Barnabas to perform signs and wonders. The Greek term "σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα" (sēmeia kai terata) refers to miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 14:3).

4. Plot to Mistreat and Stone
The city was divided, and a plot was made by both Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:4-5).

5. Fleeing to Lystra and Derbe
Upon learning of the plot, Paul and Barnabas fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and continued to preach the gospel there (Acts 14:6-7).

6. Healing of a Lame Man in Lystra
In Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been lame from birth. The Greek word "ἀνάπηρος" (anapēros) is used to describe the man's condition, meaning crippled or disabled (Acts 14:8-10).

7. Misunderstanding and Attempted Sacrifice
The people of Lystra, seeing the miracle, thought Paul and Barnabas were gods and called them Zeus and Hermes. They attempted to offer sacrifices to them (Acts 14:11-13).

8. Paul and Barnabas' Response
Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, insisting they were mere men and urging the people to turn to the living God. The Greek word "ἐπιστρέφειν" (epistrephein) means to turn or convert (Acts 14:14-18).

9. Stoning of Paul
Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the crowd to stone Paul. They dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead (Acts 14:19).

10. Paul's Recovery and Return to the City
After the disciples gathered around him, Paul got up and went back into the city. The next day, he and Barnabas left for Derbe (Acts 14:20).

11. Preaching and Strengthening Disciples in Derbe
They preached the gospel in Derbe and made many disciples. They then returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith (Acts 14:21-22).

12. Appointment of Elders
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church, with prayer and fasting, committing them to the Lord (Acts 14:23).

13. Return to Antioch in Syria
They traveled through Pisidia and Pamphylia, preached in Perga, and went down to Attalia. From there, they sailed back to Antioch in Syria, where they reported all that God had done through them (Acts 14:24-27).

14. Staying in Antioch
Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch for a long time with the disciples, continuing their ministry (Acts 14:28). Perseverance
James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Boldness
Ephesians 6:19-20 - Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

Suffering for Christ
2 Timothy 3:12 - Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Pray for Boldness
Ask God to give you courage to share the Gospel fearlessly.
Pray for Discernment
Seek wisdom to address misunderstandings and false beliefs.
Pray for Endurance
Request strength to persevere through trials and challenges.
Pray for Encouragement
Lift up fellow believers, asking God to strengthen their faith and resolve.

May this study of Acts 14 inspire you to live boldly for Christ, enduring hardships and encouraging others in their faith journey.

1. What lessons can we learn from the boldness of Paul and Barnabas in preaching the Gospel amidst persecution in Iconium?

2. How does the miracle in Lystra demonstrate God's power?

3. How can we apply Paul and Barnabas' response to being mistaken for gods in our own lives when we face undue praise or worship?

4. How does the stoning of Paul reflect on the cost of discipleship?

5. What can we learn from Paul and Barnabas' effort to revisit the cities where they were persecuted to strengthen the disciples there?

6. How does the appointment of elders reflect the importance of leadership within the Church?

7. How does the perseverance of Paul and Barnabas amidst trials inspire you in your personal faith journey?

8. In what ways does the people's reaction to the miracle in Lystra challenge us to present the Gospel clearly to avoid misunderstandings?

9. How can we emulate Paul and Barnabas' commitment to sharing the Gospel in our own lives?

10. How does the reaction of the people of Lystra change from idolizing Paul and Barnabas to stoning Paul, and what does this tell us about the fickle nature of people?

11. How can we prepare ourselves to face the kind of persecution experienced by Paul and Barnabas?

12. How does Paul's recovery and return to the city after being stoned inspire you in your faith?

13. What lessons can we learn from the way Paul and Barnabas continually encouraged new believers to stay true to their faith?

14. How can the leadership model established by Paul and Barnabas in appointing elders inform the leadership structure in our own churches?

15. How does the journey of Paul and Barnabas from persecution in one city to bold proclamation in the next reflect on their reliance on God's guidance?

16. What does the chapter teach about the impact of external influences on the acceptance of the Gospel message?

17. What are some practical ways we can follow the example of Paul and Barnabas in strengthening the faith of fellow believers?

18. How does the conclusion of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey inspire you to share your personal testimonies of faith with others?

19. How does Acts 14 deepen your understanding of the costs and rewards of spreading the Gospel?

20. What does the phrase "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" mean to you in your current circumstances?