Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith. —Acts 14:22
Have you ever seen two people experience the same thing but have different responses? Acts 14 is full of that. Over and over again, different groups witnessed God’s power, but their response was divided.
When they entered Iconium, Paul and Barnabas spoke in such a way that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed (v. 1), but a group of unbelieving Jews didn’t. Instead they opposed Paul and Barnabas’ work.
When they got to Lystra, Paul saw a crippled man, realized he had faith, and healed him. But the reaction of the crowd wasn’t faith in God; it was false worship.
Acts 14 says two times that the Lord left witness of Himself and His Word (vv. 3, 17). But even when some people hear the Truth, they keep following their own gods and understanding (vv. 4, 18).
What’s the difference? It’s the gift of faith. It enables us to see true reality, while unbelief blinds us. May we be like Paul and Barnabas who, although they experienced opposition, grew in their faith.
Make it Personal
How do you see God leaving a witness of Himself in your life? Are you responding in faith or in unbelief?