How can we emulate Paul and Barnabas' response to persecution in Acts 14:6? Scripture Focus “...they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region.” (Acts 14:6) Observing Paul and Barnabas’ Response • They maintained spiritual alertness—“they found out about it.” • They exercised godly prudence—“fled to…Lystra and Derbe.” • They refused to quit—Acts 14:7 notes, “and there they continued to preach the gospel.” • They trusted God’s sovereignty—seeing flight not as failure, but as strategic obedience. Principles We Can Emulate 1. Spiritual Awareness ‑ Cultivate sensitivity to threats without paranoia. ‑ Keep eyes open through prayer and fellowship (Colossians 4:2). 2. Strategic Retreat, Not Cowardice ‑ Jesus affirmed this approach: “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23). ‑ Leaving danger may preserve life for further ministry. 3. Persevering Mission ‑ Relocation is a redirection, not a resignation (Acts 14:7). ‑ Paul later declares, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). 4. Courage Balanced with Wisdom ‑ Boldness does not forbid prudence (see Acts 9:23–25, Paul lowered in a basket). ‑ “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). 5. Confidence in God’s Plan ‑ Every closed door points to another open field (Acts 16:6-10). ‑ Suffering is expected but not ultimate: “All who desire to live a godly life…will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Putting It into Practice Today • Stay informed—discern cultural and local pressures against the gospel. • Prepare safe avenues for ongoing witness (online platforms, small groups, new locations). • Keep proclaiming truth wherever God sends—workplace, neighborhood, digital space. • Remember flight can serve faithfulness; silence never can. • Encourage one another with testimonies of gospel advance after setbacks. Encouragement from the Wider Word • Acts 5:41-42—apostles rejoice after beating and “every day…keep teaching.” • 1 Peter 4:14—“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed…” • Romans 8:31—“If God is for us, who can be against us?” These passages echo Acts 14:6, reminding us that prudent retreat joined to persistent proclamation magnifies Christ and advances His unshakeable kingdom. |
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