How should believers respond to opposition, as seen in Acts 14:19?

◄ Believers' response to opposition? ►

Context of Acts 14:19

“Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, supposing he was dead.”

Opposition Faced by Paul

• Public aggression: angry crowd, physical violence

• Isolation: dragged out of the city, left for dead

• Misjudgment: people assumed the mission was finished

Paul’s God-Honoring Response (vv. 20-22)

• Got up by God’s power and went back into the city—no retreat in fear

• Continued the journey the next day with Barnabas—mission first

• “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith” (v. 22)

Scriptural Principles for Responding to Opposition

1. Expect it

– “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

– Opposition confirms we are on the right path (John 15:18-20).

2. Stand firm, don’t quit

– Paul’s return to Lystra shows courage grounded in calling (Acts 14:20).

– “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

3. Keep preaching and building up others

– Paul’s first action after the attack was disciple-strengthening (Acts 14:22).

– Ministry continues even when under pressure.

4. Accept suffering as part of kingdom entry

– “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

– Hardship is not an interruption but a means God uses to shape us (Romans 5:3-5).

5. Respond with grace, not retaliation

– Jesus: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

– Paul never called for vengeance; he kept proclaiming grace (Romans 12:17-21).

Encouragement from Christ’s Example

• Jesus endured the cross, “despising its shame” (Hebrews 12:2), then rose victorious.

• His resurrection power enabled Paul to rise after stoning; the same power sustains believers today (Philippians 3:10).

Practical Steps for Believers Today

• Pray for courage before conflict arises.

• Remember Scripture promises—opposition is normal.

• Re-enter hard places when God opens the door, trusting His protection.

• Focus on strengthening others rather than self-pity.

• Leave judgment to God; keep the gospel front and center.