Let us finish the first missionary journey of St. Paul.
At first, Paul successfully converted many Gentile believers in Antioch of Pisidia. His success aroused the jealousy of the local Jews who stirred up troubles against Paul. Paul and Barnabas were driven out from the district (Acts 13:50). Then they travelled to Iconium.
In Iconium, the apostles were facing similar opposition from unbelieving Jews. Though they were new comers, they managed to attract many believers with signs and wonders. The people in the city were divided. At last, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra because the unbelieving Jews were able to involve the rulers to stone them (Acts 14:5-7).
At first, Paul successfully converted many Gentile believers in Antioch of Pisidia. His success aroused the jealousy of the local Jews who stirred up troubles against Paul. Paul and Barnabas were driven out from the district (Acts 13:50). Then they travelled to Iconium.
In Iconium, the apostles were facing similar opposition from unbelieving Jews. Though they were new comers, they managed to attract many believers with signs and wonders. The people in the city were divided. At last, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra because the unbelieving Jews were able to involve the rulers to stone them (Acts 14:5-7).
In Lystra, there was no mention of synagogues. Paul preached and healed a lame man from birth. Seeing the miracle, the people thought that Paul and Barnabas were Hermes and Zeus (Acts 14:12). They wanted to offer sacrifices to them! Paul and Barnabas had to tear their garments to persuade the people from doing so. After some time, they made some disciples. But the Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and stirred up the people to drag Paul out of the city to stone him. Supposing he was dead, they left him outside the city. When the disciples gathered around, Paul rose up and entered the city. The next day, Paul and Barnabas left the city for Derbe (Acts 14:19-20). In Derbe, they made disciples. Then, they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch to strengthen the disciples and appointed elders to take care of them. Then Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch of Syria (Acts 14:21-26).
Thus, Paul finished his first missionary journey, opening the door of faith to Gentiles (Acts 14:27).
Thus, Paul finished his first missionary journey, opening the door of faith to Gentiles (Acts 14:27).
What can we learn from this journey? Luke has the following to teach us.
through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22b).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that we must enter the Kingdom of Heaven through the narrow gate.
Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14).
Truly, success does not come easily. If success is easy, it is not valuable and we will not treasure it. Nowadays, church life in Hong Kong is easy for most people. Therefore, we cannot afford to be complacent. An easy life will engender strife. We will waste a lot of our energy to overcome infightings. This is pitiful. So, help us God.
The second lesson we may learn is that we should help others to stand on their own feet. If we make them dependent on us, we fail them. Paul did not stay in the church he established. He appointed elders to oversee their development. Peter preached the gospel of the Son of God. Yet, he appointed Mark to write a gospel. Truly, we cannot do everything ourselves. We need to let go so that others may develop their potentials. Otherwise, we are guilty of smothering the charisma of God.
through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22b).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that we must enter the Kingdom of Heaven through the narrow gate.
Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14).
Truly, success does not come easily. If success is easy, it is not valuable and we will not treasure it. Nowadays, church life in Hong Kong is easy for most people. Therefore, we cannot afford to be complacent. An easy life will engender strife. We will waste a lot of our energy to overcome infightings. This is pitiful. So, help us God.
The second lesson we may learn is that we should help others to stand on their own feet. If we make them dependent on us, we fail them. Paul did not stay in the church he established. He appointed elders to oversee their development. Peter preached the gospel of the Son of God. Yet, he appointed Mark to write a gospel. Truly, we cannot do everything ourselves. We need to let go so that others may develop their potentials. Otherwise, we are guilty of smothering the charisma of God.
Dear Lord, help us let go our successes. Allow us to ascribe all glory and honour to You. Amen.
Comment by ifjahf
It feels good to try something new.
No comments:
Post a Comment