Study From the Book of Acts,14

Study From the Book of Acts,14  

Today we study the fourteenth chapter of the Book of Acts and we choose two biblical principles and their lessons which are useful in Biblical Counselling.

Paul and Barnabas spoke with authority because they spoke the truth. The power of God is not in the person who witness, but in what is witnessed to.

After witnessing of the cripple one who was healed and walked, the people believed that the gods of Zeus and Hermes came to life in Paul and Barnabas. So, they wanted to make sacrifices to them. Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes which was a Jewish expression of distress and grief.

The sermon by Paul in this chapter, is a condensed version of his sermon on the Areopagus in chapter 17. These Gentiles did not know or believe in the Scripture, so Paul preached truths that were self-evident to all and led his listeners to biblical truth.

The physician Luke may be saying that Paul did not die here. However, some believe that the text speaks of Paul’s resurrection.

It is difficult to know whether these elders were appointed by Paul and Barnabas or by a vote of the people. However, the process outline in chapter 6 for selecting the seven men may provide a clue to the process used for selecting elders here. Both the assembly and the apostles were involved in the selection.

Structure:

Verses 1-: 7: At Iconium

Verses 8-18: idolatry at Lystra.

Verses 19- 20: stoning, escape to Derbe.

Verses 21-28: strengthening the converts.

Principle 27: 14:15 --“We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God----”

Lesson 27: God had performed such an astonishing miracle through Paul and Barnabas that the people of Lystra thought the pair must be Greek gods. Paul insisted that except for their faith they were no different from anyone else.

Principle 28: verse 14:19.20: ----” they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city.”

Lesson 28:  Some believe that Paul really did die and “was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Cor. 12:4). Regardless, God preserved Paul’s life until his time had come.11/5/2025.