Acts 14 | Daily Bible Reading & Reflection

Acts 14 Devotional: Follow Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey through Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Witness the power of the Gospel to heal, the reality of persecution, and the vital work of strengthening new believers in the faith.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to Acts Chapter 14. Today, we are on the road with Paul and Barnabas. We see the Gospel breaking into new territories, meeting both miraculous faith and violent opposition. As we read, let us be encouraged by the persistence of these early missionaries who refused to let hardship stop the mission of God.

Acts Chapter 14 Introduction:

Miracles, Malice, and the Mission of the Church

Acts 14 chronicles the high-stakes ministry of Paul and Barnabas as they travel through Asia Minor. In Iconium, they speak with such power that a great number believe, yet they are eventually forced to flee from a plot to stone them. In Lystra, a miraculous healing of a man lame from birth leads the local crowds to mistakenly worship the apostles as Greek gods—a crisis Paul quickly corrects by pointing them to the "living God." The chapter ends with a remarkable display of resilience: after Paul is actually stoned and left for dead, he gets back up and returns to the cities to "strengthen the disciples."

What can we learn from this today? In this chapter, we see the Empowering Work of the Holy Spirit. As your Statement of Faith affirms, the Spirit dwells in and empowers believers for godly service. Paul and Barnabas didn't rely on their own charisma; they relied on the Spirit who "confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders." We also see the biblical pattern for the Church: it is not just about making converts, but about nurturing believers. Paul and Barnabas returned to every city to appoint elders and commit the new believers to the Lord. It reminds us that "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," but we never go through those hardships alone.

Bible Verse - Acts 14

14 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

7 And there they preached the gospel.

8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Prayer

Paul told the people in Lystra that God "has not left himself without testimony" through His kindness and provision. As we enter prayer, let us acknowledge the testimony of God's goodness in our own lives today.

Prayer Theme: "Strength for the Journey"

Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You as the living God, the Creator of the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. We believe that You are the sovereign Lord of all things, and we thank You for the testimony of Your grace throughout history. Thank You for the courage of the early apostles and for the Holy Spirit who continues to empower Your Church today.

Lord, I ask for the resilience of Paul and Barnabas in my own walk of faith. When I face opposition or "stones" of discouragement, give me the strength to get back up and continue the work You have called me to do. Help me to deflect any praise toward You, remembering that every good gift and every victory comes from Your hand alone. I pray that You would strengthen my heart and the hearts of my fellow believers, helping us to remain true to the faith even through hardships.

We pray for the universal Church, especially for missionaries and pastors serving in difficult or hostile regions. Protect them, provide for them, and confirm Your Word through them with power. We lift up the leaders and elders of our local congregations; grant them wisdom and grace as they nurture the flock. We pray for a world that often looks to "created things" for satisfaction; open their eyes to see the "living God" who gives rain from heaven and crops in their seasons. May Your Kingdom continue to expand until the message of Your salvation reaches every corner of the earth. Amen.

Daily Application Question

Paul and Barnabas returned to the very cities where they were persecuted in order to "strengthen the disciples." Is there someone in your life who is currently facing a "hardship" whom you can encourage or strengthen with a word of faith today?

Frequently Asked Questions about Acts 14

Why did the people of Lystra think Paul and Barnabas were gods? The locals were influenced by Greek mythology (specifically a legend about Zeus and Hermes visiting the area). When they saw the miraculous healing, they interpreted it through their own pagan lens until Paul corrected them.
What does it mean to "appoint elders" in every church? This shows the early establishment of church leadership . It was not enough to just preach; they established a structure of godly oversight to ensure the believers were taught, protected, and nurtured in the faith.
Why does Paul say we must go through "many hardships"? He wasn't being pessimistic, but realistic. In a world fallen into sin , the message of the Kingdom will naturally face friction. These hardships refine our faith and remind us of our total dependence on God's grace.

Thank you for joining us for Acts 14. May you go out today with the boldness of an apostle and the peace of a child of God. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow for the pivotal council in Acts Chapter 15.

Navigate the Journey

Previous: ← Acts Chapter 13 | Next: Acts Chapter 15 →

Page updated

Report abuse