Acts 14

The gospel brings division. Always. Those who receive it find themselves overflowing with irrepressible joy. And those who reject it find themselves overwhelmed by jealousy. It can’t be any other way. In the hearing of the gospel there is no place for neutrality!

At first they listened and seemed to be rather excited. Receptivity was high and expectation was infectious. Hard work was a thing of the past and the path forward was paved with the radiance of grace. “Through this man FORGIVENESS of sins is proclaimed…by Him everyone who believes is FREED (justified) from everything from which you could not be FREED (justified) by the Law…” Acts 13:28-29

Who couldn’t get excited about THAT?! Your “guilty record” not simply sealed but actually erased! And even though you knew you were not innocent, simply “leaning into Jesus” would result in the official judicial declaration that you are “guilt free,” i.e. “NOT GUILTY!” So by the hundreds they responded in contagious joy. “The next Sabbath almost the WHOLE CITY gathered to hear the Word of the Lord…”

“But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy…” Acts 13:45 So much for “peace.”

“Now in Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in a way that a GREAT NUMBER of both Jews and Greeks believed.” Again, the Good News of “peace” was joyously embraced by the hearts of those longing for hope.

“BUT the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers…and the people of the city were divided…” So much for “peace.”

Perhaps things will turn out better if this mission is relocated. So 26 miles away in Lystra, a Jesus-type miracle takes place. Never had he used his legs. Never in his life had his feet and ankles supported his weight. Never had he moved from place to place under his own power. From the day the doctor declared, “Congratulations, you have a son!” he had been a cripple. That is, until THAT day! In a loud voice thus arresting the attention of all who were crowded into the market square, Paul commanded, “Stand upright on your feet!” AND HE DID!

Playbook page number one of the “Strategies of the Adversary Against the Proponents of Good News” was strike them with violence. But that defensive plan was simply not working. So page two of said playbook is appeal to their pride and their ego. Make “heroes” out of them. Shower them with praises, accolades, and applause—even bring really big offerings to them. THAT will certainly redirect their mission! “When the crowds saw…they lifted their voices and said, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Now what preacher wouldn’t welcome THAT sort of fanfare?! And offering sacrifices as well? Hmmm…

But the apostles rejected their offer, corrected their misunderstanding, and pointed their attention away from themselves and back to Jesus. So back to playbook page one. “Having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.” So much for “peace.”

The gospel brings division. Always. Those who receive it find themselves overflowing with irrepressible joy. And those who reject it find themselves overwhelmed by jealousy. It can’t be any other way. In the hearing of the gospel there is no place for neutrality.

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom