WE MUST GO THROUGH MANY HARDSHIPS

Passage: Acts 14:21-28

Key verse: 22

NIV

The Return to Antioch in Syria

21 They preached the gospel(A) in that city and won a large number(B) of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium(C) and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.(D) “We must go through many hardships(E) to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a](F) for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,(G) committed them to the Lord,(H) in whom they had put their trust. 24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,(I) 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch,(J) where they had been committed to the grace of God(K) for the work they had now completed.(L) 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them(M) and how he had opened a door(N) of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.(O)

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Footnotes
  1. Acts 14:23 Or Barnabas ordained elders; or Barnabas had elders elected
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had (A)made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 (B)strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them (C)to continue in (D)the faith, and saying that (E)through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had (F)appointed (G)elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting (H)they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria

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, (I)where they had been (J)commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, (K)they declared all that God had done with them, and (L)how he had (M)opened (N)a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Encouraging the new believers (21-23)

The apostles won a large number of disciples in Derbe. Even though their lives had been threatened in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch (Pisidia), they went back to these places to encourage the new disciples. They encouraged them to have a positive attitude toward suffering, to put their hope in the kingdom of God, and to be true to the faith. They appointed elders (shepherds) and prayed for them with fasting prayer, committing them to the Lord.

2. Reporting to their prayer supporters (24-28)

After preaching in Perga, they took the most direct route back to Antioch (Syria), where they reported to the church. They reported about the great work of God through them, and about how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. This was the beginning of a new history. The church of Jesus Christ had become international and cross-cultural.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see your open door, and give me faith to go through it.

One Word: An open door and the work of God