As we continue in our study through the book of Acts, this week we come to Acts 14. Paul and Barnabas continue on their missionary journey to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In our text this morning we see that suffering and opposition will come to gospel ministry, but opposition invites opportunities for perseverance and boldly share the Word of grace. Suffering will not always be. The healings in Acts show Jesus' power to make sad things come untrue. They give us pictures into what life will look like when the Kingdom of Heaven is finally and fully realized. Even in the midst of a world of suffering, good things bear witness to the goodness and grace of God. Finally we see that growth in grace happens through suffering. Followers of Jesus are not to be caught off guard, but expect suffering. The path that leads to glory is through suffering.
"When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." - Acts 14:21-22
