“Sticks And Stones”
Acts 14:19-23
A rhyme from my childhood: “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words can never hurt me.”
I wish that were true because, so many today are living in a life of distress because of words.
In our walk with Paul and Barnabas we see this rhyme in reality.
Not to be nosey, but what would cause you to pause or stop your walk with the Lord?
In many today, a simple threat would cause many to question whether the price was really worth it.
I can only say by reading about Paul, he was all in no matter the cost.
That is really the key to a real walk in the Lord; is to predetermine that the path we walk is in God’s hand and that whatever He asks, it is worth the it all.
We see Paul in this very activity.
Four (4) thoughts about Paul’s life.
I. Deceived And Destructive
Acts 14:19 “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.”
We know from vs. 6 that Paul and Barnabas were in “Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:”
We also know that they continued to preach the gospel to all that would hear and listen.
But notice the action from the Jews from Antioch and Iconium
Who persuaded the people - to persuade, i.e. to induce one by words to believe. To tranquilize
In other words they said whatever was necessary to drive a wedge between Paul and the people he was preaching to.
Looks like the very thing that worked about Jesus was used against Paul “Who persuaded the people” seems to denote groups of people gathered together without order. (a mob)
Once stirred up it is like putting blood in the water around sharks, they will go crazy and attack anything. And they did
Having stoned Paul - A Jewish mode of punishment. To pelt one with stones, in order either to wound or kill him
Drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead - not only stoned him until he was dead, as they supposed,
they dragged his body through the streets of their city, in contempt of him, and indignation against him, and
cast him out of it, where they left him as unworthy of a burial.
We are watching this very same action even today around the world; either you accept our religion or we will publicly destroy you and let your body rot.
So I ask again: what will it take for you to quit?
If we do not think about the possibility of dying for Christ we could easily quit when it gets tough.
II. Distraught And Determined
Acts 14:20-21 “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,”
As the disciples stood round about him - There is no narrative of the emotions that could be involved, but I could easily imagine the shock, quiet, or even the tears over the death and disbelief that Paul was dead.
He rose up - raise up from laying down , to raise up from the dead
It is believed that in 2 Corinthians 12 is a testimony of this day and time.
Let’s take a moment to read what Paul had to say.
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Notice the actions of Paul and Barnabas; They left one city and kept preaching the Gospel message even returning back to the cities that cause all the pain.
May I ask again; what will it take for you to quit?
I do not know the heart of Paul or Barnabas but their actions can only conclude that they loved the Lord enough to speak truth to the lost no matter the cost.
I was thinking that they returned to those cities to end any rumors of Paul’s death as well.
III. Decisive and Direct
Acts 14:22 “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.”
Rather than rubbing it in; I see a great concentration toward the goal of helping new churches to grow.
Confirming - strengthen more, to render more firm,
Exhorting - to comfort, to call, to come along side (same work of the Holy Spirit).
To continue - to remain in, to persevere in anything, a state of mind etc. To hold fast, to be true to, abide by, keep
In other words; what they saw in Paul and Barnabas, keep going!
IV. Designated And Directed
Acts 14:23 “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.”
Ordained - to vote by stretching out the hand, to create or appoint by vote: one to have charge of some office or duty.
Definition 1828 dictionary ORDA'INED, participle passive Appointed; instituted; established; invested with ministerial or pastoral functions; settled.
I had a hard time with this little word because I believed I need no approval from man, only by God.
Yes I was called into God’s service, and yes He gave to me directions; but God also allowed men to see this calling and stretched their hand over me in approval.
If God is calling, man will recognize your calling and should fast and pray for you that you may, like Paul and Barnabas, stay on course.
Commended - to set forth, to bless them.
A closing prayer from Paul:
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
Conclusion:
As a believer in Christ I believe it is important to prepare for our walk with the Lord.
The real failure comes when we fail to plan.
So once again: what will it take for you to quit?
Joshua said it best: “… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
