Daily Thoughts from Acts: No Middle Ground (Acts 14:1-7)

Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel.  (Acts 14:1-7 ESV)

What was experienced in the previous town of Perga occurs again in Iconium.  Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue.  A great number of Jews and Gentile-converts to Judaism respond positively to the message but others reject it.  Jews who do not believe work to get the mostly Gentile population of the town to view Paul as an enemy.  Perhaps they argue that Paul and Barnabas are creating division in the otherwise peaceful community, or that they are preaching dangerous ideas that will upset the delicate balance of peace, or that the team is simply trying to make money and draw allegiance away from the city’s current leadership.  In either case it ultimately leads to a plot to kill them by stoning, a distinctly Jewish form of execution.  Paul and Barnabas decide it is wisest to leave, perhaps because such mistreatment might then also be directed at the church.  They are lightning rods drawing a strike.

Once again in this situation the Lord Jesus bears witness to the message they preach by giving signs and wonders through their hands.  Jesus confirms what they are saying by granting healings, dismissal of demons, and perhaps other kinds of miracles.  Despite such miracles, however, not everyone believes.  It is not said, but as in the last town, only those appointed to eternal life believe.

What is the sign of the gospel’s success in any setting?  It is both genuine belief and rabid persecution.  Are we properly representing the gospel of Jesus Christ?  Maybe we prefer a lukewarm response.