Unstoppable! 'People Were Divided' — Acts 14:4-7

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

But the people of [Iconium] were divided in their opinion about [Paul and Barnabas and their message]. 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.

— Acts 14:4-7 NLT

Key Thought

Fierce and violent adversaries forced the mission team — Paul and Barnabas — to flee Iconium. Sharing Jesus in cross-cultural contexts was not only challenging, but also dangerous. When Paul and Barnabas left the thriving church in Antioch,* I'm sure they knew they were heading out on a perilous adventure for Jesus. They gave up so much — their homes, cultures, friends, and spiritual family — to go and risk everything to share Jesus in different places and with unknown people. As I think of their hardships, I cannot help but think of missionaries today who have done something very similar. Let's remember to pray for missionaries and their work today and find a way to bless them. Many of them have given up a great deal and risked everything to share Jesus. Let's thank and praise them for their work!

* See the Related Scripture Readings for passages related to the Thought.

Today's Prayer

LORD, my dear Abba Father, I am praying today focused on those who share Jesus in other cultures. Please protect and bless them. Empower their words and give them the wisdom to know what to say and how to say it as they seek to share the message of Jesus. I ask this blessing for your servant messengers in Jesus' name and for his glory. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 13:1-3, 14:21-22
  • 2 Timothy 1:8-12, 3:11-12, 4:1-8

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 14:4-7 NLT — But the people of [Iconium] were divided in their opinion about [Paul and Barnabas and their message]. 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.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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