Too Complicated!
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t always see my way clear in life. Give me Your direction today.
Read Acts 14:1–7
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 4 The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. 6 But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7 where they continued to preach the gospel.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
When was the last time you noticed someone change his or her mind?For whatever reason, Paul and Barnabas retained their usual practice of going first to the synagogue, this time in Iconium (1). Once again, however, their positive reception leads to opposition. This time it is both Jews and Gentiles who are ganging up against them. Clearly some gossiping had been going on and people of both groups were taking sides for and against Paul and Barnabas.
It is a curious fact that the true Gospel brings division. There is (or should be) a clear challenge to take sides, either for Jesus or against him. We should not be surprised. Jesus himself, the Prince of Peace (ironically!), was frequently the cause of discord in his own life and ministry. This was a consequence of Jesus’ call to follow him and to repent and believe the Gospel.
Of course, Jesus’ offer of peace with God is open to everyone. But many people find they simply cannot accept this offer.
Apply
Do you know people who simply reject the Good News? Think of a way you can share the Gospel with them through your actions.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I pray for those I know who have rejected You. I ask You to make Yourself truly known to them.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2025 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.