This article is part of our weekly series, “The Book of Acts and the Church Today.” You can see all articles in the series here.
If we’re honest, we want to enter God’s kingdom easily. When the Christian life gets hard, we think something strange is happening. But troubles shouldn’t surprise us or rattle our faith (2 Pet. 4:12). Acts 14:1–28—a case study in tribulation—tells us that troubles are essential and should be expected.
The new converts in Asia weren’t sure if they would continue in the faith. The cost seemed too great. We can feel that way too. But suffering isn’t an argument to quit the faith; it signals to believers that they’re on the right path. And, as Paul and Barnabas’s response to suffering demonstrates, tribulations can make us more like Jesus.
What Dangers Did the Apostles Face?
We can answer this question by following the map of Paul’s first mission trip. First, the apostles encountered opposition and the threat of violence in Iconium. The apostles were preaching the right message, but “the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers” (Acts 28:2). Eventually, “an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them” (Acts 28:5). Stoning was a form of execution in which rocks were hurled at the victim until he was crushed to death. This threat of violence forced the missionaries to flee to Lystra, leaving behind struggling new converts.
Second, the apostles received praise and endured violence in Lystra. The opposition began with the healing of a man “crippled from birth” who “had never walked” (Acts 14:8). God healed the man, but the crowds misunderstood, giving credit to Paul and Barnabas. Knowing that the praise of people is poison to disciples, the apostles tried to deflect the praise from themselves to God. The healing was a sign that the people should turn from vain things to the living God who made them and all things. Still, “They scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them” (Acts 14:18). But how quickly external fortunes can change! “Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city” (Acts 14:19). He was so beaten they mistook him for dead.
Finally, the apostles faced a mentally and physically risky return trip. After Paul had recovered from his injuries in Derbe, he “returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch” (Acts 14:21). There was a far shorter way home that led through Paul’s hometown of Tarsus. Instead, to encourage the new converts, Paul backtracked through Lystra where he was just stoned and left for dead!
Paul’s life, like the life of Jesus, proves that tribulations are normal for God’s people.
How Did the Apostles Respond?
Tribulations themselves are not sanctifying; family disasters can strengthen a marriage or end it. Trials are opportunities to grow in godliness by responding with believing courage. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to their trials?
Boldness
“They remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord.” Troubles are the platform for courage. And the Lord commended the apostles’ boldness by bearing “witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders” (Acts 14:3).
Persistence
They remained in Iconium for a long time because the hard work demanded perseverance. When the disciples finally moved on, they simply relocated their mission. Paul and Barnabas never forgot their script; they persistently preached the gospel (Acts 14:7, 21).
Wisdom
The disciples were willing to suffer for Jesus. But they didn’t insist on it. They wisely fled Lystra to try to avoid stoning. We mustn’t get in the habit of taking the easy way out. But wisdom sometimes reveals a faithful detour around trouble.
Humility
Notoriety can be as dangerous as persecution. But Paul and Barnabas refused to steal God’s glory. The missionaries insisted that only God’s grace distinguished them from others. You can either help people see God’s greatness or yours. You can’t do both.
Encouragement
Sometimes in our suffering we neglect the needs of others. Paul and Barnabas used their tribulations to encourage the new disciples to press on, committing them to God’s care (Acts 14:23). Instead of separating us from God’s love, tribulation makes us more conscious of it (Rom. 8:35; 2 Cor. 1:4).
Organization
Suffering Christians too seldom consider the blessing of church government. The last thing Paul and Barnabas did before returning home was to appoint elders for the believers in every church (Acts 14:23). Elders protect their sheep from tribulation, guide their sheep through tribulation, and demonstrate faithfulness in tribulation.
Reporting
After returning home from a year-long journey, Paul and Barnabas declared to their sending church at Antioch “all that God had done with them” (Acts 14:27). And, rather than dwell on the negative, they emphasized that God had “opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” Don’t forget to focus on good news (Phil. 4:8).
Christian, in this life you will face tribulations. But this is how you enter the kingdom (Acts 14:22)! Jesus’s suffering alone cancels our sins and makes us right with God. But our suffering in his footsteps helps us fix our eyes on him. Christianity is tempered—made stronger and more durable—by fire. Suffering sifts the chaff from the wheat, gives the faithful a longing for glory, and conforms us to Christ. Use your trials well to enter God’s kingdom.