How can we respond to threats against our faith like in Acts 14:5? Facing threats like Paul – the scene in Iconium Acts 14:5 — “But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them,” Paul and Barnabas are faithfully preaching, yet a mob forms to silence them. How do we answer similar pressure today? Expect opposition, don’t be surprised • John 15:18-20 — Jesus warned that the world would hate His followers. • 2 Timothy 3:12 — “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Knowing hostility is normal steadies our hearts and keeps us from panic. Stay Spirit-filled and bold • Acts 4:31 — prayer leads to fresh filling and fresh courage. • Acts 14:3 — even before the plot, Paul and Barnabas “spoke boldly for the Lord.” When threats rise, lean into the Holy Spirit, not away from Him. Use godly wisdom: sometimes stand, sometimes move • Acts 14:6-7 — they fled Iconium yet kept preaching in Lystra and Derbe. • Matthew 10:23 — Jesus permits flight when persecution flares. Boldness is not recklessness; discerning when to stay or leave protects the mission. Keep proclaiming Christ, whatever the venue • 2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” • 1 Peter 3:15 — have a gentle, respectful defense ready. Threats change our location, not our message. Anchor yourself in prayer and Scripture • Acts 16:25 — Paul and Silas pray and sing in jail. • Acts 20:32 — the Word “is able to build you up.” Prayer and Scripture realign our perspective when fear whispers. Lean on the church family • Hebrews 10:24-25 — spur one another on, don’t isolate. • Acts 14:22 — Paul later “strengthening the souls of the disciples… ‘We must endure many hardships.’” Mutual encouragement fuels perseverance. Entrust the outcome to God • Romans 8:28 — He weaves every thread for our good. • 1 Peter 4:19 — commit your soul to the faithful Creator and “continue to do good.” Security rests in His sovereignty, not in circumstances. Focus on eternal reward, not present risk • 2 Corinthians 4:17 — present affliction is “light and momentary” compared with eternal glory. • Matthew 5:12 — “Great is your reward in heaven.” Heaven re-calibrates risk calculations. Practical steps for today • Regularly pray for courage before crisis comes. • Memorize key promises (start with John 16:33; Romans 8:31-39). • Cultivate close fellowship; persecution isolates, community fortifies. • Model respect and love toward opponents; the goal is gospel witness, not winning arguments. • Keep serving others; good deeds silence slander (1 Peter 2:12). Threats did not derail the early church, and they need not derail us. The same Lord who carried Paul through Iconium remains on the throne, equipping His people to stand firm, speak truth, and keep moving the gospel forward. |
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