Acts 14
OGC**EXAMINATION OVER THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY
True or False**
There were five leaders in the Jerusalem church.
The half brother of Herod the tetrarch was one of the leaders in the Antioch church.
The church in Antioch had a period of fasting before they fasted for the separating of Barnabas and Saul.
It was in the form of a surprise to Saul that God would call him to such a work.
The basis for our present day ordination is not found in the scripture.
The gospel was preached in the synagogue in Seleucia.
John Mark acted as an assistant to Saul and Barnabas
There was a large synagogue in Salamis in which they preached the Word. This was the only place in which they preached.
It was fifty miles from Salamis to Paphos.
Bar-Jesus was a Jew.
Saul told Elymas that he would be blind for the rest of his life.
The Word of God was preached at Perga upon the first visit.
John Mark’s home town was Antioch.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke in Antioch of Pisidia.
Paul’s message in Antioch was very similar to that of Stephen’s in Jerusalem.
Identify These Thoughts
(Give just a sentence of explanation for each thought.)
… and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.
Explain in your own words Acts 13:26-28.
… gave them their land for an inheritance, for about four hundred and fifty years.
Thou art my Son. This day have I begotten thee.
… everyone that believeth is justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken in the prophets. Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish.
… urged them to continue in the grace of God.
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy.
It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you.
… as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
But they shook off the dust of their feet against them.
Fill in the Blanks
And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and ___________ spake that a great multitude both of ___________ and of ___________ believed.
But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the _____________ and part with the ______________
The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas.___________ and Paul, _____________ because he was the chief speaker.
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they _____________ their _____________ and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like _____________ with you..
But there came Jews thither from _____________ and ________; and having persuaded, the multitudes, they ____________ Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
… and on the morrow he went forth with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had made _____________________________, they returned to Lystra.
Multiple Choice
Upon the return visit to the churches, Paul and Barnabas: 1) Preached and gave the Lord’s Supper. 2) Preached and appointed elders. 3) Exhorted the brethren.
Pisidia and Pamphylia were: 1) Cities. 2) Villages. 3) Provinces.
Upon the second visit to Perga they 1) Passed through. 2) Preached and appointed elders. 3) Just preached.
Attalia was: 1) A seaport. 2) A town in the journey at which they preached. 3) A province.
When back in Antioch Paul and Barnabas had something to say about the Gentiles; they said: 1) God gave them a great opportunity. 2) God had baptized them in the Holy Spirit also. 3) God had opened a door of faith unto them.
Acts 14:1-6
AT ICONIUM. Acts 14:1-6 a.
And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.
Long time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace,
granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
And when there was made an onset both of the Gentiles and of the Jews with their rulers, to treat them shamefully and to stone them,
they became aware of it, and fled unto the cities of
Acts 14:1-3 Together Paul and Barnabas journeyed to the town of Iconium and entered the synagogue. The attendance at such services was for but one purpose, i.e. to preach Jesus as the Christ. There is an enlightening comment given regarding the preaching of these men here in Iconium. We all know that some preaching is not the kind that reaches the hearts of men. Luke states that Paul and Barnabas so spake that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed. We would do well to follow closely the method and message of the apostles that we, too, might so speak as to reach the hearts of those to whom we preach.
While some among the Jews opened their minds and obeyed the truth, there were others who refused the message, being disobedient not only to the truth but to their own conscience as well.
What significant word is given regarding the preaching of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium?
The Gentiles were only the guests of the Jews as they attended the synagogue services. The Gentiles in this place as in many others saw something in the religion of the Jews that attracted their interest. But since they were ignorant of this new religion the words of the members of this belief would quite naturally be accepted as authoritative. Hence, when the rulers of the synagogue began to speak out against the doctrines of these two strangers their words were heeded by a good share of the uncircumcised. Some of the Gentiles were actually antagonistic toward the apostles as well as being opposed to those among their own group who had embraced this new belief. Unless there was some real threat of bodily harm in the persecution, Paul could see no reason for leaving a place of labor. So, in spite of the active opposition of the jealous Jews there rang forth from the synagogue (and doubtless from house to house) the news that this Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ. The Lord honored and confirmed their message with signs and wonders. It is of real interest to note that each time miracles are mentioned they are associated with the hands of either the apostles or those upon whom the apostles had laid their hands. Never do we hear the Christians of these towns working miracles through their great faith.
Acts 14:4-6 a The whole city of Iconium was shaken by the message of grace. Unfortunately however, it was divided about equally for and against the apostles. This fact would only encourage the apostles to draw the more closely to their source of power; but when knowledge of a plot to stone them reached their ears, and when they perceived that not only the envious Jews but also the Gentiles and rulers of the city were involved, they were forced to make a hasty retreat. The province of Lycaonia is the next to be entered in the preaching of the Word.
How could the Jews stir up the Gentiles so readily?
Why the signs and wonders? How performed?
Why leave Iconium?
Acts 14:6-20
IN LYSTRA. Acts 14:6 b - Acts 14:20.
a.
General statement. Acts 14:6 b, Acts 14:7.
unto the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region round about:
and there they preached the gospel.
Acts 14:6 b - Acts 14:7 In Acts 14:6 b - Acts 14:7 we have a general statement of the preaching of the gospel in the towns of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe. The suggestion is also made in Acts 14:6 b that the persons living near these cities heard the word from these faithful evangelists.
What suggestion of extension is made in Acts 14:6 b?
b.
The healing of the lame man. Acts 14:8-10.
And at Lystra there sat a certain man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked.
The same heard Paul speaking: who, fastening his eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,
said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked.
Acts 14:8-10 In the Greco-Roman town of Lystra there apparently was no synagogue, for the account of the preaching suggests that Paul proclaimed the Word in the streets of the town. To be more exact as to the location of the preaching, we might say that the healing of the cripple seems to have occurred close to the city gates (cf. Acts 14:13) so that possibly the city gates afforded a place for the gathering of the populace.
It so happened that on one occasion of preaching a cripple was found in the audience who was destined to be the object of God’s power. As he listened he came to have a great faith in what was being said. We might well ask, What was being said? We could reply from Paul’s words to the man that he must have been listening to a message that created hope and faith in the possibility of his being made whole. So Paul, in his preaching of Jesus must have referred to some of the miracles that God had performed by the apostles-’ hands on other similar occasions. Then it would seem, to make such a recital tangible, he looked over the crowd for a suitable candidate to further confirm his word. Upon seeing this impotent man sitting in rapt attention, he fastened his eyes upon him and noticing that he had faith to be made whole, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. Now this would be no small task for the man had never walked from the day of his birth. Behold the power of God: He leaped up and walked. How like the record in the third chapter of this book. c.
The multitudes worship them as gods. Acts 14:11-13.
And when the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.
And the priest of Jupiter whose temple was before the city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the multitudes.
What difference is found in the preaching at Lystra and any other town?
What caused the crippled man to have any hope of being made whole?
Show the wonderful power of God in the healing of the lame man.
**Acts 14:11-13 **But how different was the response received than what was expected. Paul doubtless hoped that this multitude would react like the one at the Gate Beautiful; that this miracle performed would cause them to stand in awe and silence and give him a chance to bring a message concerning the God who wrought this act. But these were not devout Jews, but superstitious Gentiles. The persons of this province had been taught the Greek language. This was probably the language used by Paul in speaking to them. But these Gentiles were likewise earnest devotees of the Greek gods. As the lame man leaped to his feet there swept across the multitudes, like a wave on the surface of a lake, a low murmuring of astonishment, but the wave returned toward the speaker in a swelling babel of voices. None of this could be understood by Paul for they spoke in their native tonguethe speech of Lycaonia. These simple, rude folk must have an immediate explanation for this phenomenon. What is it? It could not be of man and yet these appeared to be men before them. The conclusion was that it was from the gods, but which gods? The only gods they knew were those of the Greeks, hence they began to fancy that they could see in the countenances of these two strangers a resemblance to two of these deities. Barnabas, as more dignified and reposeful in mien, suggested Zeus, the king of the gods; while Paul, as the -chief speaker-’ was Hermes, the messenger of the gods.
The word of this strange conclusion was taken to the priest of the temple of Zeus or Jupiter, (or possibly he was among those who listened). The priest saw but one thing to do and that was to make preparations for a sacrifice to these deities in the guise of men. This servant of Jupiter soon had garlands and oxen ready. The oxen were led toward the city gates where Paul and Barnabas were doubtless the center of attraction. Since the expressions of worship to Paul and Barnabas were made in the native tongue of the Lycaonians, the apostles could not know in its entirety just what was transpiring.
What was unexpected about the response of these people? Why?
Explain in your own words the reaction of these folks to the miracle?
Why call them Jupiter and Mercury?
Why didn-’t Paul and Barnabas know immediately what was happening?
d.
The objection of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:14-18.
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out
and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:
who in the generations gone by suffered all the nations to walk in their own ways.
And yet he left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.
And with these sayings scarce restrained they the multitudes from doing sacrifice unto them.
**Acts 14:14-18 **But when they finally did understand they immediately tore their garments in their deep concern over the matter, and even as they thus rent their garments they sprang forth or rushed into the midst of the multitude until they could approach the priest and his attendants and cry out: Sirs, why do ye these things? Paul then took advantage of the situation not only to dispel their false conception but also to deliver a message from the true God.
The first words of Paul’s message were given to draw attention away from him and Barnabas that it might be directed toward the true object of worship. To tell these misguided folk that the ones whom they worshiped as deities were only men would have been useless unless it came from the men themselves.
The apostle spoke to these men of the true purpose for being among them. It was not to be worshiped, but to bring good tidings. The first thought of these good tidings was that men should turn from the worship of such vain speculations as these mythical Greek gods. In turning they were not asked to refuse these gods only because they were false, but that they might turn to the worship of the true God, the one and living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is. This attribute of Jehovah would show Him superior to any and all other gods, for none of them claimed this distinction. The words of verse sixteen are especially applicable to those present for Paul is saying in essence: In times past, i.e. before Christ came, Jehovah permitted all the nations to continue in their course of life, but now since Christ has come (whom Paul had just preached) you are to heed Him, Paul was saying: Previous to this time you might have acted in the fashion you are now acting and God would have suffered you, but it is now inexcusable. Paul pointed out that although the Lord permitted their course of life, it was not because He did not leave a witness of His everlasting power and divinity (cf. Romans 1:20). Paul calls attention to the fields of the Lycaonian peasants that had brought forth for many years a plentiful harvest. Paul is saying that they should have been caused to stop and consider this witness to the one who controlled such activity. When they rejoiced at the good crop, or when they profited thereby, they should have looked beyond these mere physical evidences back to the one great origin of such things.
Even with these plain words of repudiation and explanation the hands of the priests and the hearts of the mob were scarce restrained from carrying out their intention.
How did Paul utilize the situation to an advantage?
What was the purpose of Paul’s first words?
What was the twofold purpose in turning from the Greek gods?
Explain Acts 14:16.
e.
Paul stoned. He is raised up. Acts 14:19-20 a.
But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and entered into the city:
Acts 14:19-20 a How fickle is public opinion! The same mob that was ready to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods one day was ready the next day, or a few days later, to cast stones at them as the representatives of the evil one.
The Jews from Antioch and Iconium stirred up the multitude; they doubtless persuaded these simple folk that Paul and Barnabas were in league with Satan. The mob had been somewhat embarrassed with the thwarting of the original plan and now they had a reasonable excuse to give vent to their feelings on these who would not accept their worship. The stoning that took place was probably led by the men of Lystra for had the Jews led the assault they would have been more deadly in their effort. Paul was knocked down and stunned. He was so broken and bruised of body that they took him to be dead. Someone roughly took hold of the crumpled form of the apostle and dragged him outside the city gates, there to lie in full view of the temple in which he could have been heralded as a god. Timothy, Eunice, his mother, and Lois, his grandmother, were probably among those disciples who stood weeping as they looked sadly upon the bruised and broken body of the one who had brought them the Word of life. To the amazement of all Paul arose from this ordeal (it would seem with the assistance of God.) He slowly rose to his feet and with the aid of those around him returned to the city, possibly into the home of Timothy.
What was the witness Jehovah had in Lystra?
What thought do you suppose the Jews Used in stirring up these people?
In what way was the stoning an act of vengeance on the part of those of Lycaonia?
Who led them in the stoning? How do you know?
Show in the stoning the wonderful testimony of the apostle’s sincerity.
Who were probably among the weeping discipleswhere did they stay overnight?
Acts 14:20-21
AT DERBE. Acts 14:20 b, Acts 14:21 a.
and on the morrow he went forth with Barnabas to Derbe.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples.
Acts 14:20 b - Acts 14:21 a The next day, or on the morrow, we are told, he was able to set out with Barnabas for the town of Derbe, between thirty and forty miles away. It lay on the southeast among the foothills of Tarsus. But the memory of this scene was ineffaceable. It was one of the many perils from his own countrymen and from the heathen, one of his being in death oft, which sank deepest into his mind. Once, says he, I was stoned. Henceforth, in remembrance of his sufferings, he regarded himself as always bearing about in the body the putting to death of Jesus and could tell the Galatians, in whose province he had thus suffered, Let no man trouble me for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus, the marks of the stones showered on him at Lystra, and the scourgings with great whips or thick rods, lacerating the flesh to the bone, which He had endured no fewer than eight times. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28; 2 Corinthians 4:10; Galatians 6:17.)
A long bare slope, with bushes and loose stones scattered over it, and a few ruined buildings of comparatively modern date, lead up to a broad low mound which crowns it, and under this, in all probability, lie, the remains of the Derbe of Paul. It was the frontier city of the Roman province, towards, the southeast, and, as such, was honored by a connection with the name of Claudius, as Claudio-Derbe. -Many disciples-’ had joined the new faith in Derbe and thus another church of former heathen had been formed. (Geikie Hours With The Bible, Vol. II, pages 286-289).
Where does Paul mention the stoning in his epistles?
Describe the site of Derbewhat response to the gospel?
Acts 14:21-23
LYSTRA, 11. ICONIUM, 12. ANTIOCH. Acts 14:21 b - Acts 14:23.
they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,
confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
Acts 14:21 b - Acts 14:23 It is just as important to confirm the saints as it is to convert the sinners. It must have been with this thought in mind that Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps to revisit these brethren.
By consulting the map you can notice that when Paul and Barnabas arrived in Derbe they were not a great distance from Paul’s home town of Tarsus. What a temptation it must have been to tarry here in Derbe where no persecution hindered until such a time as the weather permitted travel through the mountain passes and then to journey homeward through Tarsus of Cilicia. But there was a higher call than that of self-preservation and security. It was the call of the need of the children they had begotten in the gospel. To these persons Paul and Barnabas had not imparted the word only but their very selves. How readily is the truth received when its application is seen in the lives of those who speak it. So it was that when Paul and Barnabas urged these brethren to remain faithful and to remember that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of Heaven, those to whom the words were spoken could see their literal fulfillment in the lives of those who spoke. The thought of appointing for them elders in every city carries the idea of being chosen by vote. Lest we obtain from this thought the impression that there was here carried out a church election note this quotation from Cunningham Geikie:
Yet it would be a great mistake to imagine that because the election of officers rested with the congregations, their nominations for election was unrestrictedly left to them. Such an arrangement would at any time invite rivalries, disputes, and divisions While, in such assemblies as the earliest -churches-’ there would, at least in the case of those gathered from the -Gentiles,-’ be very little security for the right persons being selected. Where the voters were of such a class that Paul could describe them, to themselves, as -foolish,-’ -weak,-’ -base,-’ -despised,-’ -beneath notice,-’ or, in other words, the very humblest.. and that not only in circumstances or position, but even in morals and necessarily in corresponding ignoranceit would have been contrary to every dictate of prudence to leave them without guidance. The fitting persons for office would, therefore, we may assume, be indicated by the apostles or by the rulers whom they had accepted and set apart. (Pages 291-292.)
What is meant by points 10-11-12?
What temptation must have presented itself to Paul when he arrived in Derbe?
Why was the truth so readily received and followed by the disciples of these cities?
What is the kingdom of heaven spoken of here?
Explain the procedure of the appointing elders in these cities?
Acts 14:24
THROUGH THE PROVINCES OF PISIDIA AND PAMPHYLIA. Acts 14:24.
And they passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.
Acts 14:24 Following the confirming of the saints in Antioch of Pisidia and appointing elders for the churches, they passed again over the 120 to 140 miles of rough terrain that lay between Antioch and Perga.
Acts 14:25
AT PERGA. Acts 14:25 a.
And when they had spoken the word in Perga,
Acts 14:25 a The mountain passes would not be open until the middle of May, so it must have been about this time that Paul and Barnabas bade their last farewells to the brethren at the Pisidian Antioch and made their way down to Perga where they seemed to have stayed some time preaching the Word as they had been unable to do so when there before. It has been suggested that upon the first visit to Perga the missionaries arrived in the middle of the summer and that it was the habit of the people of the town to leave the now sultry plains of Perga for the cooler climate of the mountains back of the city. Hence there was not opportunity to preach on the first visit.
AT ATTALIA. Acts 14:25 b.
they Went down to Attalia;
Acts 14:25 b Then, perhaps in July, they went to Attalia and sailed out of its small harbour, round which the streets now rise, one above the other, like the seats of a theatre, with a fringe of square towers surmounting the flat top of the hillsand then coasted along the land eastward, often in full view of the vast mountains, beyond which they had gathered to Christ, the first fruits of the Gentiles of Asia Minor, won with so much sufferings; and yet worth it all, as the earnest of the conversion of the great heathen world to the faith of the Cross (ibid, page 293).
How far from Antioch to Perga?
What time of the year was it when the Apostles left Antioch?
Why not preach in Perga on the first visit?
What was the physical appearance of Attalia?
Explain the touching situation that must have faced the missionaries as they sailed homeward.
Acts 14:26-28
IN ANTIOCH. Acts 14:26-28.
and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.
And they tarried no little time with the disciples.
**Acts 14:26-28 **How many times had the minds of those in Antioch turned to the labors of those two whom they had sent forth to the work of preaching? How had they fared? Where had they labored? What success had the glorious glad tidings had in the far away places? All these questions and many more were answered as the church in Antioch assembled to hear the report of Paul and Barnabas. The news that God had opened a door for the preaching of the gospel among the Gentiles was received without question in this church since from the earliest history of the assembly the gospel had been preached unto the Greeks also. Thus concludes the first missionary journey.