Moment With The Master
“Gospel of Grace”
Categories: Moment With The Master"Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:1-3)
At Iconium Paul and Barnabas continued boldly proclaiming the message of the cross. Throughout this journey, the gospel was received in two ways. In Iconium it was no different.
Paul and Barnabas declared the gospel of God’s grace in the synagogue of the Jews. They urged the truth with fearless vigor. Their confidence was grounded in God’s presence and support. This bold proclamation was backed by signs and wonders which proved the authenticity of the message.
When the gospel is preached in its simplicity and power it gets results. This was certainly the case in this city of Asia Minor. A multitude of Jews and Greeks received the gospel. When the seed is planted, God gives the increase. There is no greater joy to the sincere teacher than to witness a harvest of souls.
This passage also reminds us of the pain of rejection. The unbelieving Jews “poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers”. Like adding arsenic to water these false teachers tainted the truth with error. Thus, the city was divided – some siding with the believers and others siding with the unbelievers! Such opposition grieves the heart of Christian teachers.
Today, the powerful gospel will get the same results. Some will receive it. Others will reject it. However, the soldier of Christ must prove faithful, ready to encounter the contempt, or the ridicule, or the slander of the evil minded, so long as there is any good to accomplish by his steadfastness.
George Slover
