GOD'S WORD PREACHED IN ICONIUM

Acts 14:1-3 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Having fled the persecution of the unbelieving Jews in the city of Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. As recorded in Luke 9:5, this is the exact symbolism used by the Savior as He told His disciples to flee from all people that reject God's hope of salvation due to unrepentant disbelief - all that refused God's will and could not be persuaded to accept it. Entering Iconium, Paul and Barnabas, as was customary, went both together into the synagogue of the Jews. There they delivered their message of salvation through Christ Jesus and many believed, both Jews and Gentiles. Here, the word believed means complete obedience to God's plan of salvation. As it was on the Day of Pentecost, it means believing Jesus to be the Son of God, repenting of one's sinful past, being baptized for the remission of all sins, and, through the power of God, being added to the church of Christ.

As it had been in other cities on their missionary journey, and due to their unrelenting hatred for those that taught and obeyed the gospel of Christ, the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles. That is, by false suggestions, false expressions, libelous and slanderous accusations, and misapplications of Old Testament prophesies, they persuaded the Gentile people to think and do evil deeds against the brethren, that is, the Christian brethren. However, disregarding this opposition and personal danger, Paul and Barnabas continued for a long time ...speaking boldly in the Lord, or by His authority. The exact length of time referred to here is unknown. However, we know that, as always, they preached God's Holy Spirit-inspired gospel message of salvation though Christ Jesus. And, in order to confirm their teaching as coming from God, by His power, many signs and wonders (were) done by their hands.

Continuing in verses 4 through 7 we find that the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. Just as Jesus had warned that, as the Son of God, and Savior of the world, there would be division throughout the world (See Luke 12:51-53), so too, this city was divided. The unbelieving Jews, no doubt, contended that Paul and Barnabas were teachers of a false doctrine opposing the Law of Moses, and some people held to that belief. However, others heard the gospel message they taught, and were convinced by the miracles they performed in God's name, that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah, and Savior of the world. These believed the inspired teaching of Paul and Barnabas and became followers of Christ. Thus the city was divided.

The message for us today is that we should not be deterred from teaching the gospel message because of any opposition that may result. It is far better that a few be gained to accept God's New Testament truths than all be lost due to the lack of scriptural teaching. Had the truth been accepted, the false doctrine of self-serving preachers would have been exposed, and compromises to the gospel of salvation would have been avoided.

When and wherever the doctrine of salvation through Christ Jesus is taught, these passages of God's word assures us that self-righteous indignation will rear its ugly head and divisive enmity will result between its hearers. This is exactly what took place within the city of Iconium. The teaching of God's word instantly brought hostile condemnation and rejection to those who felt their Jewish heritage and their personal beliefs threatened by its acceptance. The primary rejection came from the rulers of both the Gentiles, and also of the Jews. It seems that in most instances when the kingdom of Christ is taught, there is immediate resistance by both governmental authorities, as well as from the leaders of the staunch, orthodox Jewish faith, and all other "religious" founders, leaders, and preachers. This is what took place in Iconium. The resistance was dangerously close to violent opposition, including threatening assaults and even the stoning of Paul, Barnabas, and their Christian converts. Therefore, with everything being done in the name of Christ that could possibly be accomplished in this city, and being aware of the violent nature of the anti-Christian leaders, Paul and Barnabas fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about, and there they preached the gospel.