Acts 14:19-23 (ESV Strong's)
19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Persecution in is the Fuel of Gospel Preaching
In today’s society we see those giving the privilege of speaking the Gospel message, cower to the benign power of shame. Our Christian faith can’t seem to even mount a strong response to those who would shame us because of what we believe. We have to be taken-aback by the above text. Paul was not just shammed, he was stoned. This is only one instance in the book of Acts of Paul and Barnabas being persecuted for proclaiming the power of the Gospel. Whereas in today’s world we would run for cover when the world calls us out, Paul ran back into the fire to “strengthen” the souls of the disciples. Paul, counted for dead, did not simply walk away. He walked back into the very city where he was stoned. Paul wanted to give others strength, despite, most likely, being weak from being bruised and battered. Imagine those listening to him that day. Imagine the inspiration he was to them. As he spoke, they heard his voice, but the saw the scars and the pain that would have gripped his body. Leaders must be willing to suffer to inspire others. They must raise out of the ashes and proclaim the power of God. That is how the Gospel is fueled. Suffering and persecution are the high octane of the Gospel message.
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