What can we learn from Paul's perseverance after being stoned in Acts 14:20? Setting the Scene in Acts 14:20 “ But as the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.” (Acts 14:20) Paul’s Immediate Response: Courage over Comfort • Stoned, left for dead, Paul rises and re-enters the very place of hostility. • No retreat, no bitterness, no self-pity—only forward motion in the mission. • His action affirms that the gospel call outweighs personal safety. Key Principles We Can Apply • Perseverance is active, not passive. Paul “got up” instead of remaining on the ground. • Faith pushes back against fear. By returning to Lystra, Paul models fearless obedience. • Ministry continues despite wounds. “From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” (Galatians 6:17) Divine Empowerment Behind Perseverance • Strength supplied by Christ: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • God guards His servants’ purpose until their work is complete: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18) Long-Term Fruit of Steadfast Obedience • Ongoing gospel advance—Derbe hears the good news the very next day (Acts 14:21). • Encouragement for future believers—Paul later writes, “You, however, have closely followed my teaching… my persecutions… yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11) • A lived-out illustration for the churches he founded, strengthening them to endure hardship (Acts 14:22). Takeaway Truths to Carry Forward • God-given mission outlasts momentary pain. • The resurrection power of Christ enables believers to rise when the world knocks them down. • Perseverance under trial multiplies gospel impact and encourages the body of Christ. |
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