Acts 14:2
But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.
There will always be resistance to the message of Christ. When Paul and Barnabas went on the first missionary journey they didn't have smooth sailing. The enemies of the gospel would actually follow them from city to city to resist their message. The amazing aspect of those who oppose the gospel is revealed in this verse in Acts 14. Not only do they oppose the gospel for themselves, but they "stir" up the hearts and minds of others to also oppose them. People who reject truth can't simply reject truth. They want to know that others also reject truth. They need the company to validate their power and position. When we fight for the gospel to be heard and to be used by God in the hearts of man we must remember that the forces of evil are rallying their armies (both seen and unseen) to prevent the power of the Word from going out. This is why Barnabas and Paul had to make sure they were in the power of the Spirit. Only through the ministry of the Spirit do we have a chance to defeat the forces of evil who are out to stir up the minds of the unbeliever against the Gospel. The enemy is not passive. He is active.
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