St. Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Part II)

Reading Portion

Acts ch.14

Lesson Content

1. Iconium — Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogues and a great multitude both of the Jews and the Greeks believed (Acts 14:1).

2. The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and created opposition against the brethren. They abode in Iconium for a long time and preached the Word boldly; signs and wonders were performed (Acts 14:2,3).

3. The people of the city were divided: some were with the Jews, and others for the apostles (Acts 14:4).

4. The apostles fled to Lystra and Derbe on hearing that there was an assault made by the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers to use them despitefully and to stone them (Acts 14:5,6).

5. Lystra — They preached the gospel — a cripple was healed — This made th e people to consider them as gods — The priest of Jupiter brought oxen and garlands and with the people would have offered sacrifices to them — Paul and Barnabas prevented the sacrifice and preached to them to turn from such vanities to the living God (Act s 14:7-18).

6. Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and stirred up the people and stoned Paul and drew him out of the city, supposing him to be dead (Acts 14:19).

7. Paul rose up and came to the city and on the next day went with Barnabas to Derbe (Acts 14:20).

8. Derbe — They tarried for a while at Derbe — the gospel was preached — They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch in Pisidia — Exhortation to the disciples — Ordination of elders in every church (Acts 14:21-23).

9. Perga — Passing through Pisidia they came to Pamphylia, preached the Word of God in Perga, and went down to Attalia (Acts 14:24,25).

10. From Attalia they sailed to Antioch in Syria where they rehearsed all that God had done with them and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles and abode there for a long time (Acts 14:26-28).

Moral

Just as Paul was zealous to fulfil the Lord’s ministry without counting his life dear unto himself, we too should be zealous for the Lord.