February 7, 2008 by Keith

Acts 14: At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. 2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

At first glance in verse one it seems as if Paul and Barnabas are experiencing the most effective ministry possible! Together they went as usual to the Jewish synagogue… you can assume a large crowd gathered… possibly larger than the last time because people were excited and invited their friends and family to hear about these two guys Paul and Barnabas.

Then verse 1b tells us “there they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.” This is every teaching pastor’s dream… how great is that… they spoke so effectively. They had great points, they were articulate, they tagged teamed seamlessly, they pulled heart strings, people laughed at their jokes, and the message was clear and concise. The result: a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. That’s what every Pastor wants to hear after every service “a great number believe.”

Then came the “But…” a great number believed… but… Like all reality… there were “other” people there that weren’t so happy with what happened. Maybe they didn’t like the teaching style, the content, or the way Paul and Barnabas were dressed. Whatever the reason verse 2 tells us, “the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.”

This happens every time effective teaching takes place… every time God is at work and someone believes…. There are those that “stir up people and poison their minds.”

It happened here with the early church and it happens today. I can’t be surprised when someone celebrates a changed life in Christ; then there will be someone ready to “poison their mind.” There will be someone ready to stir up gossip, dissention, and all kinds of problems.

Just as the story in Acts 14 continues for God’s glory, so the story continues today too.

I pledge to stray true to God and honor Him. It’s so easy to get distracted by the critics… it’s so easy to get upset… and even to sin in my heart. However, I will get my eyes on the prize – Jesus Christ.

How can I speak effectively the message of God… so that they might believe? Ultimately it’s up to God to do His work. I have to be like Paul and Barnabas and be willing to go and be used and stand up for truth… and when hard times come, endure with integrity and in love.

Father, help me to do your work. I greatly desire for those who do not know you to believe in your saving grace. Open my eyes to your work. Protect me from the poison that the enemy wants to plant in my mind and those around me. Give us wisdom on how to combat the enemy and to do it for your kingdom and your glory. Amen!