What is the meaning of Acts 14:20? But after the disciples had gathered around him • Paul has just been stoned and dragged out of Lystra as though dead (Acts 14:19). The believers’ immediate response is to come close, stand with him, and no doubt pray. • Scripture repeatedly shows the strength that flows from gathered believers: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). • Their presence models the body life taught elsewhere—“encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), “carry one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). • God answers through the very fellowship of the saints, turning a scene of apparent defeat into one of triumph. he got up • Luke states this plainly and without drama, highlighting God’s power rather than Paul’s resilience. The same Lord who raised the lame man earlier in Lystra (Acts 14:8–10) now raises His servant. • Paul later writes, “We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed… struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9), a testimony rooted in moments like this. • Psalm 37:24 promises, “Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.” That promise is on vivid display here. and went back into the city • Instead of retreating, Paul re-enters the very place that tried to kill him. This illustrates fearless obedience: “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). • It also mirrors the apostles’ earlier response to persecution: “They went out from the Council rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41). • Such courage validates the gospel before onlookers—Paul’s life itself becomes a sermon (Philippians 1:20). And the next day he left with Barnabas • Wisdom accompanies boldness. Having shown gospel courage, Paul now moves on, following Jesus’ counsel: “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23). • The partnership with Barnabas continues unhindered. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” • Their unity models the sending Spirit’s original instruction in Antioch (Acts 13:2). for Derbe • The mission marches on. Derbe lies about 60 miles southeast, the next population center needing the good news. • Acts 14:21 records the fruit: “They preached the gospel to that city and won many disciples.” Paul’s suffering does not slow the advance; it amplifies it (2 Timothy 2:9). • This leg of the journey fulfills the pattern of going “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) and proclaims, “The word of God is not bound!” summary Acts 14:20 shows the church gathered, God intervening, and the mission continuing. Discipleship means standing with the wounded, trusting the Lord to raise up His servants, courageously re-entering hard places, wisely pressing on, and never losing sight of the next soul who needs to hear. The verse is a snapshot of gospel resilience fueled by the living Christ and supported by His faithful people. |
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