A Door of Faith

At Iconium Paul and Barnabas spoke so that a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed. The city became divided. When an attempt was made to mistreat and stone them, they fled to Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia and preached the Good News there.

At Lystra sat a man impotent in his feet, who had never walked. Paul, seeing that he had faith to be made whole, called out, "Stand upright on your feet!" When the man leaped up, the crowds shouted in Lycaonian that the gods had come down in the likeness of men. They called Barnabas "Jupiter" and Paul "Mercury," and the priest of Jupiter brought oxen and garlands to the gates.

The apostles tore their clothes and protested that they were men of the same nature, bringing good news that the people should turn from vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them. In past generations God allowed the nations to walk in their own ways, yet he did not leave himself without witness: he did good, gave rains and fruitful seasons, and filled hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:16-17).

Opponents arrived from Antioch and Iconium and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead. But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up and entered the city, and the next day went on to Derbe. Then they retraced their steps. They strengthened the disciples and taught that through many afflictions we must enter into God's Kingdom. They appointed elders in every assembly with prayer and fasting, commending them to the Lord. Back in Antioch they reported all that God had done and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations.