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I am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are Acts 14; Deuteronomy 11; Psalm 81; Micah 4.
Acts 14:19-28
Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.
I really should have gotten the hint. Our host was yawning. The conversation had all but died. We were watching the late-night news. But I made no move to leave and go back home. My bad. They never invited us over again.
You might have said that Paul didn’t get the hint either. Only it was far more than a hint. It was an outright demand that he and his traveling companions go home – or at least get out of their town. In fact, I cannot imagine a more clear message to leave than stoning someone. Not only did they stone Paul, they dragged him out of the city, and left him for dead. “And don’t come back!” you can almost hear them say.
I’m thinking Paul was one tough dude. Not only does he get up (under his own strength?!?), but he goes right back into the city. Granted only for a while, but he goes back into the city. Ok, it was for only one night, but the next day they don’t head for home, but they continue onward in their mission trip.
It was more than sinewy muscles and hard bones that kept them going. They were compelled by the love of Christ, the clarity of his call, and the power of the Holy Spirit to take the gospel to new people and places. And this is exactly what is happening here: the gospel is reaching new people and new places. The Word of the Lord is growing (a peculiar Lukan phrase in Acts). They are seeking and seeing the Kingdom of God have ever wider impact. New people are being saved. New churches are being formed. New pastors are being appointed.
Soon they will return to Antioch, where their journey began. They will stay there for a while, but not for long. Paul and Barnabas will set out again, joined by Timothy, John Mark, Silas, and even Luke. None of them are content to stay home, for they are on the move. Through their witness, God’s reign is advancing, and the door of faith is opening to the Gentiles. That door will open wider and wider. The Good news of God’s salvation is reaching more and more people because these servants didn’t go home – even in the face of severe suffering and persecution.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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