Perseverance, Leadership, and Renewal
Acts 14:19–23 (NASB95) 19But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. 21After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” 23When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Here we witness a dramatic turning point in Paul’s ministry as he faces violent opposition in Lystra. The narrative reveals how quickly the crowd's mood can shift—from near reverence to lethal hostility—in response to a misunderstood display of divine power. Paul’s enemies, stirred by jealousy and a desire to silence what they deem false teaching, incite a mob that attempts to kill him. This reaction, marked by the fervor of those driven by legacy and communal expectations of honor and shame, underscores the intense pressures that often accompany the proclamation of the true Gospel. Despite the severity of the stoning, Paul’s survival becomes a powerful testament to the cost and calling of following Jesus—a call that echoes His words to "take up your cross daily" (Luke 9:23).
In the aftermath of this violent opposition, Paul’s resolute decision to return and strengthen the fledgling communities highlights a crucial aspect of early Christian leadership. Rather than allowing the mob’s fury to break the spirit of the believers, Paul and Barnabas reaffirm their commitment by nurturing the churches through the appointment of trusted elders and revisiting those they had once established. This strategic reinforcement not only ensured the cohesion and resilience of the communities but also served as a model of leadership that valued endurance, integrity, and the redemptive power of God.
Today, modern believers face challenges that echo the cultural tensions of Paul’s time—where honor and shame continue to influence societal dynamics, and where leadership in the public sphere can provoke both acclaim and fierce resistance. As we encounter criticism, misunderstanding, and even hostility for upholding the Gospel, we are called to follow Paul’s example: persevere in faith, support one another, and intentionally build strong, spiritually mature communities. By establishing clear leadership structures and nurturing collective resilience, our ministry can transform moments of adversity into opportunities for growth and renewal—ultimately reflecting the glory of Jesus in how we overcome opposition and strengthen His church.