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Lesson 22

Acts, Chapter 14

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Time Frame (Acts 14) Paul’s first missionary journey, covered

in Acts 13:1 – Acts 14:28, came after Herod’s death in A.D. 44 (12:1-25)

First missionary journey covered about 3 years. A.D. 45-48.

The Galatian churches were established during this time.

At the close of this tour, Paul and Barnabas report back to the church in Antioch of Syria (14:26-28).

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Paul’s First Missionary Journey(Acts 13:1 – 14:28)

45-48 A.D.

AntiochSeleucia

SalamisPaphos

Attalia

Perga

Antioch in PisidiaIconium

Lystra

Derbe

SYRIA

GALATIA

CYPRUS

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At Iconium (1-7) 1 Paul and Barnabas speak at the

Synagogue (1-2)

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Paul’s First Missionary Journey(Acts 13:1 – 14:28)

45-48 A.D.

AntiochSeleucia

SalamisPaphos

Attalia

Perga

Antioch in PisidiaIconium

Lystra

Derbe

SYRIA

GALATIA

CYPRUS

Iconium about 60 miles SW of Antioch in Pisidia. In the region of Phrygia, near the border of Phrygia and Lycaonia. Several Roman roads there, so an important center for missionary activities. Part of the Roman province of Galatia.

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At Iconium (1-7) 1 Paul and Barnabas speak at the

Synagogue (1-2) The message was successful, as a great

multitude of both Jews and Gentiles believed. (1)

But, the results were mixed, as the city was divided almost down the middle (2,4)

Note: Again, the results of the gospel dependent upon the heart of the hearer!

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At Iconium (1-7) 2 Paul and Barnabas remain at

Iconium for a long time (3-5) God blessed their efforts by supplying

accompanying signs (3) The city was divided in two (4) (cf. Mt.

10:34-36) A plot was hatched to stone them (5)

Paul and Barnabas found out about the plot, and fled to Lystra (5-7) They began to preach there as well (7)

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Matthew 10:34-36

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to “set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law”; 36 and “a man's enemies will be those of his own household.”

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At Iconium (1-7) 2 Paul and Barnabas remain at

Iconium for a long time (3-5) God blessed their efforts by supplying

accompanying signs (3) The city was divided in two (4) (cf. Mt.

10:34-36) A plot was hatched to stone them (5)

Paul and Barnabas found out about the plot, and fled to Lystra (5-7) They began to preach there as well (7)

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Paul’s First Missionary Journey(Acts 13:1 – 14:28)

45-48 A.D.

AntiochSeleucia

SalamisPaphos

Attalia

Perga

Antioch in PisidiaIconium

Lystra

Derbe

SYRIA

GALATIA

CYPRUS

Lystra about 18 miles south of Iconium, and Derbe about 20 miles SE of Lystra. A rather desolate region of country. Lystra the larger and more significant town. It seems there was no synagogue at either place.

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Idolatry at Lystra (8-18) 1 Paul heals a crippled man (8-12)

The man was crippled from birth (8) Paul discerned the man’s faith, and healed

him without the man asking (9-10) Notice the unequivocal and instantaneous

nature of the miracle The people attributed the miracle

(superstitiously) to inherent power in Paul and Barnabas (i.e. – they were gods) (11)

Barnabas – Zeus; Paul – Hermes (12)

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Idolatry at Lystra (8-18) 2 The people intend to worship Paul

and Barnabas (13) Temple to Zeus in the city… the Priest of

that temple led the attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas reject the

adoration of the multitude (14-18) Paul’s address to the people (14-17) Attributed the healing to God The superstition of the people was

strong (18)

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Stoning, Escape to Derbe (19-20)

Enemies in Antioch and Iconium not satisfied with their abuse of Paul in their own city Over 100 miles from Antioch to Lystra Were able to persuade the multitudes Paul stoned, and dragged outside the city

Disciples gathered around Paul (20) Paul’s preaching had success “disciples” Paul returned into Derbe Paul and his company departed to Derbe

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Strengthening the Converts (21-28) 1

Time spent in Derbe preaching resulted in many conversions (21)

Paul and party retrace steps (21-23) It is significant that Paul did not back

down, but returned to the places where he had been persecuted

“strengthening the souls of the disciples” Elders appointed in each city (23) Note: Plurality of men in each

congregation, establishing a pattern

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Strengthening the Converts (21-28) 2

Paul and Barnabas retrace their route, passing through Pisidia, and to the province of Pamphylia (24) Preached in Perga (25) Travel to Attalia, where they find a ship to

take them back to Antioch of Syria (26) This completes the first Missionary Journey They reported their success to the

disciples, and stayed in Antioch for “a long time” (27-28)