Will not be silenced
Acts 14:1-7
14 The same thing occurred in Iconium, where Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through them. 4 But the residents of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5 And when an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to maltreat them and to stone them, 6 the apostles learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country; 7 and there they continued proclaiming the good news.
The experience in Pisidian Antioch was repeated in Iconium – a city in the same region. Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogue and had an opportunity to preach. There they found some eager listeners, but others were opposed and became an opposition group. So, the town was divided.
Paul and Barnabas spoke about Jesus boldly, “testifying to the word of his grace.” Even as they are under pressure, and the opposition builds, the message of grace and forgiveness continues.
Jesus had said that if an opponent slaps you on the one cheek, turn the other to them as well; and that the followers of Jesus are to return blessing to those who persecute them. And we see that lived in action in this passage. Grace is spoken to both the followers of Jesus and to the opponents. When we face opposition, we are tempted to move our talk about God to be a reminder to people of the wrath of God against God’s opponents. But Paul and Barnabas continue to focus on “the word of his grace”. Might we choose a similar pattern when we face opposition, to speak grace and not judgment.
Paul and Barnabas hang in doing ministry in Iconium until their lives are threatened, and then they leave. But even though they have left they do not stop “proclaiming the good news.” Yes, they seek a safer place to be, but they will not be silenced. This good news is too good to not share. The good news will get out. It will not be silenced. Thanks be to God.
PRAYER:
God of truth and wisdom, many people have tried to stop your good news from being proclaimed. But again and again you have given your people courage and the ability to share your story with the world. Come to us by your Holy Spirit and give us courage and ability to live your story of grace and forgiveness and to tell your story of hope in our community, to our neighbours and friends. In Jesus’ name. Amen.