But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. But after the disciples had gathered around him,This phrase indicates the presence of a supportive community of believers. The disciples' gathering around Paul after he was stoned and left for dead in Lystra (Acts 14:19) demonstrates the early Christian practice of communal care and prayer. This reflects the teachings of Jesus on the importance of fellowship and support within the body of Christ (Matthew 18:20). The act of gathering could also imply prayer for Paul's recovery, reminiscent of the early church's prayer for Peter's release from prison (Acts 12:5). Act 20:10-12 But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man,… he got up Paul's recovery and ability to stand up after being stoned is seen as a miraculous event, suggesting divine intervention. This act of getting up can be compared to the resurrection power of Christ, who rose from the dead, symbolizing victory over death and suffering. It also echoes the resilience and perseverance that Paul often speaks about in his letters, such as in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, where he describes being "struck down, but not destroyed." Luk 8:55 Her spirit returned, and at once she got up.… and went back into the city. Paul's return to Lystra, the very place where he was attacked, demonstrates his courage and commitment to his mission. This action reflects the teachings of Jesus about loving one's enemies and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). It also highlights Paul's dedication to spreading the Gospel despite persecution, as he later writes in Romans 8:35-39 about the inseparability of believers from the love of Christ, even in the face of hardship. Act 9:26-27 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join… And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. This phrase marks the continuation of Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey. Derbe was a city in the region of Lycaonia, part of modern-day Turkey. The journey to Derbe signifies the spread of the Gospel to new territories, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The partnership between Paul and Barnabas exemplifies the biblical principle of working together in ministry, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which speaks of the benefits of companionship and mutual support. Their mission in Derbe would further establish the early church and strengthen the believers in that region. Act 16:1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found… Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulA key apostle in the early church, known for his missionary journeys and spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. In this passage, he is miraculously revived after being stoned. 2. Disciples Followers of Jesus who were with Paul. Their gathering around him signifies support and possibly prayer, which precedes his recovery. 3. Lystra The city where Paul was stoned and left for dead. It was a place of both opposition and conversion during Paul's missionary journey. 4. Barnabas A fellow missionary and companion of Paul. Known for his encouragement and support, he travels with Paul to Derbe. 5. Derbe A city in the region of Galatia where Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary work after leaving Lystra. Teaching Points Resilience in FaithPaul's recovery and return to the city demonstrate the resilience and courage that come from faith in Christ. Believers are encouraged to persevere in their mission despite opposition. The Power of Community The disciples' presence around Paul highlights the importance of Christian community in times of trial. Believers should support one another through prayer and encouragement. Divine Protection and Purpose Paul's survival and continued ministry illustrate God's protection and purpose for His servants. Trust in God's plan even when circumstances seem dire. Commitment to the Gospel Paul's immediate return to ministry after being stoned shows his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. Believers are called to prioritize the mission of Christ above personal safety. Witness through Suffering Paul's experience serves as a testimony to the power of God and the truth of the Gospel. Suffering for Christ can be a powerful witness to others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Paul's experience in Lystra challenge our understanding of perseverance in the face of adversity?2. In what ways can we, like the disciples, support fellow believers who are facing trials or persecution? 3. How does the account of Paul's stoning and recovery encourage us to trust in God's protection and purpose for our lives? 4. What can we learn from Paul's immediate return to ministry about prioritizing the Gospel in our own lives? 5. How can our own experiences of suffering or hardship serve as a testimony to others about the power and truth of the Gospel? Connections to Other Scriptures Acts 9:23-25Paul's escape from Damascus after his conversion, showing a pattern of facing persecution but continuing his mission. 2 Corinthians 11:25 Paul recounts his sufferings, including being stoned, which aligns with the events in Lystra. Matthew 5:10-12 Jesus' teaching on persecution, which provides context for understanding the trials faced by Paul and other early Christians. Philippians 1:21 Paul's perspective on life and death, reflecting his unwavering commitment to Christ despite the threat of death.
People Barnabas, Hermes, Jupiter, Mercurius, PaulPlaces Attalia, Derbe, Iconium, Lycaonia, Lystra, Pamphylia, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Syrian AntiochTopics Barnabas, Collected, Departed, Derbe, Disciples, Encircled, Entered, Forth, Gathered, Got, Howbeit, However, Morrow, Risen, Rose, Round, Stood, Surrounded, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 14:1-23 1416 miracles, nature of Library Dream and Reality'The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.' --ACTS xiv. 11. This was the spontaneous instinctive utterance of simple villagers when they saw a deed of power and kindness. Many an English traveller and settler among rude people has been similarly honoured. And in Lycaonia the Apostles were close upon places that were celebrated in Greek mythology as having witnessed the very two gods, here spoken of, wandering among the shepherds and entertained with modest hospitality in their huts. The … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts 'The Door of Faith' Deified and Stoned The Cripple at Lystra Historical Criticism of Mediæval Amplifications. St. Barnabas' Day. We Preach unto You that Ye Should Turn from These Vanities unto the Living God which Made Heaven Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should be Transfigured? Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers Paul at Athens The Publisher to the Reader. Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. Apostles To-Day? Letter xi (Circa A. D. 1120) the Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Holy violence Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen. Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves Incumbent on all Rational Beings, The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Concerning Persecution Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop . Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us Links Acts 14:20 NIVActs 14:20 NLT Acts 14:20 ESV Acts 14:20 NASB Acts 14:20 KJV Acts 14:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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