How can we respond when faced with persecution like Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:50? Setting the Scene • Acts 13 records Paul and Barnabas preaching in Pisidian Antioch. • Verse 50 captures the backlash: “The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region.” • Their reaction in the next verses sets the template for us. Recognize That Persecution Is Normal • Jesus warned us: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18) • “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) • Knowing this ahead of time keeps us from surprise or discouragement. Respond with Courageous Perseverance • Paul and Barnabas did not retreat into silence. They “spoke boldly” (Acts 13:46) before moving on. • Scripture urges, “Let us not grow weary in doing good.” (Galatians 6:9) • Keep proclaiming truth, even when doors close in one place. Shake the Dust and Move Forward • “So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.” (Acts 13:51) • Jesus had given this instruction in Luke 9:5. • The act shows release: no bitterness, no lingering offense—just trust that God will deal with rejection. Maintain a God-Centered Focus • “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28) • Persecution can’t derail God’s plan; it often advances it. • Paul later testified, “The things that have happened to me have actually served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12, paraphrase) Nurture Joy in the Holy Spirit • “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52) • Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, not of circumstances (Galatians 5:22). • “Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4) Practical Steps for Today • Expect opposition; pray for strength ahead of time. • Keep speaking truth with grace—don’t let intimidation silence you. • When a door closes, look for the next open one; ministry is mobile. • Release offenses quickly: forgive, bless, and move on (Luke 6:27-28). • Stay rooted in Scripture and worship to keep joy alive. • Encourage fellow believers; persecution faced together strengthens the body (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouraging Examples from Paul • “We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed… always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10) • “I always strive to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.” (Acts 24:16) Living It Out When hostility rises, remember Paul and Barnabas: recognize it, respond boldly, shake the dust, and walk on in Spirit-filled joy. Their pattern turns persecution from a roadblock into a roadway for the gospel. |
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