Act 14 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-7 The apostles spake so plainly, with such evidence and proof of the Spirit, and with such power; so warmly, and with such concern for the souls of men; that those who heard them could not but say, God was with them of a truth. Yet the success was not to be reckoned to the manner of their preaching, but to the Spirit of God who used that means. Perseverance in doing good, amidst dangers and hardships, is a blessed evidence of grace. Wherever God's servants are driven, they should seek to declare the truth. When they went on in Christ's name and strength, he failed not to give testimony to the word of his grace. He has assured us it is the word of God, and that we may venture our souls upon it. The Gentiles and Jews were at enmity with one another, yet united against Christians. If the church's enemies join to destroy it, shall not its friends unite for its preservation? God has a shelter for his people in a storm; he is, and will be their Hiding-place. In times of persecution, believers may see cause to quit a spot, though they do not quit their Master's work.

‏ Acts 14

* Paul and Barnabas at Iconium. (1-7) A cripple healed at

Lystra, The people would have sacrificed to Paul and Barnabas.

(8-18) Paul stoned at Lystra, The churches visited again.

(19-28)

1-7 The apostles spake so plainly, with such evidence and proof

of the Spirit, and with such power; so warmly, and with such

concern for the souls of men; that those who heard them could

not but say, God was with them of a truth. Yet the success was

not to be reckoned to the manner of their preaching, but to the

Spirit of God who used that means. Perseverance in doing good,

amidst dangers and hardships, is a blessed evidence of grace.

Wherever God's servants are driven, they should seek to declare

the truth. When they went on in Christ's name and strength, he

failed not to give testimony to the word of his grace. He has

assured us it is the word of God, and that we may venture our

souls upon it. The Gentiles and Jews were at enmity with one

another, yet united against Christians. If the church's enemies

join to destroy it, shall not its friends unite for its

preservation? God has a shelter for his people in a storm; he

is, and will be their Hiding-place. In times of persecution,

believers may see cause to quit a spot, though they do not quit

their Master's work. 8-18 All things are possible to those that believe. When we

have faith, that most precious gift of God, we shall be

delivered from the spiritual helplessness in which we were born,

and from the dominion of sinful habits since formed; we shall be

made able to stand upright and walk cheerfully in the ways of

the Lord. When Christ, the Son of God, appeared in the likeness

of men, and did many miracles, men were so far from doing

sacrifice to him, that they made him a sacrifice to their pride

and malice; but Paul and Barnabas, upon their working one

miracle, were treated as gods. The same power of the god of this

world, which closes the carnal mind against truth, makes errors

and mistakes find easy admission. We do not learn that they rent

their clothes when the people spake of stoning them; but when

they spake of worshipping them; they could not bear it, being

more concerned for God's honour than their own. God's truth

needs not the services of man's falsehood. The servants of God

might easily obtain undue honours if they would wink at men's

errors and vices; but they must dread and detest such respect

more than any reproach. When the apostles preached to the Jews,

who hated idolatry, they had only to preach the grace of God in

Christ; but when they had to do with the Gentiles, they must set

right their mistakes in natural religion. Compare their conduct

and declaration with the false opinions of those who think the

worship of a God, under any name, or in any manner, is equally

acceptable to the Lord Almighty. The most powerful arguments,

the most earnest and affectionate addresses, even with miracles,

are scarcely enough to keep men from absurdities and

abominations; much less can they, without special grace, turn

the hearts of sinners to God and to holiness. 19-28 See how restless the rage of the Jews was against the

gospel of Christ. The people stoned Paul, in a popular tumult.

So strong is the bent of the corrupt and carnal heart, that as

it is with great difficulty that men are kept back from evil on

one side, so it is with great ease they are persuaded to evil on

the other side. If Paul would have been Mercury, he might have

been worshipped; but if he will be a faithful minister of

Christ, he shall be stoned, and thrown out of the city. Thus men

who easily submit to strong delusions, hate to receive the truth

in the love of it. All who are converted need to be confirmed in

the faith; all who are planted need to be rooted. Ministers'

work is to establish saints as well as to awaken sinners. The

grace of God, and nothing less, effectually establishes the

souls of the disciples. It is true, we must count upon much

tribulation, but it is encouragement that we shall not be lost

and perish in it. The Person to whose power and grace the

converts and the newly-established churches are commended,

clearly was the Lord Jesus, "on whom they had believed." It was

an act of worship. The praise of all the little good we do at

any time, must be ascribed to God; for it is He who not only

worketh in us both to will and to do, but also worketh with us

to make what we do successful. All who love the Lord Jesus, will

rejoice to hear that he has opened the door of faith wide, to

those who were strangers to him and to his salvation. And let

us, like the apostles, abide with those who know and love the

Lord.