1 Iconium (about 90 mi. from the central city of
Antioch) a very ancient city.
What can you learn from the "mission strategy" of
these apostles?
-
They went first to the larger city – then to
outlying towns.
-
They followed the line of least resistance:
receptive people.
-
They were "church planting" : spreading the seed
rather than concentrating it.
Note that this Biblical strategy relies on the
strong expectation that these new Christian centers would also take
up the mission of Jesus Christ. The Christian faith could not be
expected to go very far if only a few apostles did the work. What
is your church’s mission strategy?
2 Why do you think these people were stirred up
(rejecting the Gospel)?
8 Compare the crippled man at Lystra with the blind
man in John 9:1. How does this enhance the miracle?
11-13 The pagan people focused on the miracle and not
the message. Note the equivalent names: Zeus and Hermes are the Greek
names for the Roman Jupiter and Mercury. Those with a study bible
should read about the local Lycaonian legend of Zeus and Hermes.
14-18 Instead of appealing to Scripture (as they did
in Antioch), how did Paul help his listeners connect God with this
miracle?
21-25 The mission strategy continues: List at least 2
things they did to strengthen the new Christians?
How also in Acts 15:36?
And note the writing of Paul’s letter to the
Galatians.
27-28 Upon return, what benefits do you think the
supporting church (in Antioch) received?
This short episode certainly was filled with "trials
and tribulations". Study the following texts to see what purpose
trials and tribulations can have for your faith:
-
John 15:20
-
Philippians 3:10
-
Romans 5:3-5
-
Romans 8:17-18
-
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
-
I Peter 1:6-7
What opposition to the Christian faith do you see in
today’s world?
