Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Spiritual Tribulations highlights how Paul faced opposition, division, and spiritual testing in every city, encouraging believers to choose the kingdom of God over tradition. Through miracles, perseverance, and responses to religious challenges, Paul demonstrated that tribulation is essential for entering God’s kingdom, with signs and wonders accompanying faithful ministry and leadership.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 13:41, Matthew 13:33, Matthew 23:15, 1 Corinthians 13:10, Acts 14:2, Acts 13:45, Acts 14:3, 4, 5-7, 8-10, Acts 15:1-2, Luke 4:1, Luke 4:18-19, Luke 4:9, Galatians 4:26, Hebrews 12:22-23, Luke 4:12, Acts 14:11-18, Psalms 82:6, John 10:34-35, Acts 14:19, 2 Timothy 3:10-12, Acts 14:22, Acts 14:20, Acts 14:21-23, Acts 14:24-28,
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Introduction and Review of Acts 14
Continuing our study in the Acts study, we’re back on chapter 14. I want to quickly review what we did last week, not dive into it, but refresh your minds on what we touched on.
Every city the apostle Paul went to, there was upheaval. People were faced with the decision between tradition and the kingdom of God, and what God was doing in their time. So is it today. People will either remain in the system of tradition or get involved in what God is doing in their day.
The Word of the Kingdom and Its Power
Acts 13:41
41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Matthew 13:33
33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
The Leaven of the Kingdom
They would take the word of the kingdom and place it in the city. It would then work all by itself. Leaven is yeast, and when it is added to flour, the entire mixture becomes yeasted.
I am planting the word of the kingdom in you. You are finding that you cannot listen to just any word anymore. Your entire life is becoming leavened. I no longer need to work on it. The kingdom of God is come into your life, amen.
I told you that you were pregnant, and that something had already been seeded and planted in you. Then, last week, on Monday, you ladies went to a meeting, and they told you to get pregnant. You are four months or five months ahead of that, so we can bring birth five months before anybody else around here does. The seed is planted. You can bring it forth, Christ in you, the kingdom of God in you.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Purpose of the Woman and Ministry
The purpose of the woman is not just to be the bride to the man; the purpose of the woman is to bring forth a child, a man-child, a ministry, and that’s what we’re doing. We’re not just going to be a bride. We’re going to be the man-child ministry. The purpose of the woman is to be the bride. What is the purpose of the woman? Go back to Genesis chapter three. What does it say? From the woman will come what? A seed. And what will that seed do? Crush, bruise the head of the serpent. So being the woman just isn’t enough. We’ve got to be the seed from the woman. That’s the picture from Revelation 12.
I want to go through this quickly. You have got to learn to walk into the synagogue of the Jews. You’ve got to learn to walk into the lives of religious people. Learn to get in there and plant some leaven, plant a seed. You walk into their lives. That’s their synagogue. Walk into it, and you present the kingdom of God to the Jew, i.e., religious. When they get ill with you and mad with you, leave them.
We discussed the great multitudes, both the Jews and the Greeks believed. The Jews are what? Religious people. Jews are religious people. We break down religious people into two groups, Pharisees and Sadducees. Pharisees are what? Legalist, Pentecostal legalist. Look right, do right, act right, talk right. They have to do it this way. Can’t do it that way.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Legalism and Religious Groups
Next week, we’ll get to Acts 15. We will be on a very touchy issue, legalism. But the Pharisees are the legalistic ones. They’re the ones who expanded the garments and added borders, and dressed them just so-so. They pray the long prayers, and they’re the ones who fast. Legalistic people who paid their tithes to the penny. They’re the ones who strain at gnats and swallow camels. Legalistic people hunger for the evangelistic thrust. However, Jesus said that even though you go all over the place trying to get people saved and proselytizing them, all you’re doing is making them twice the children of hell that you are.
Matthew 23:15
15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
I want to open up to you, the Pharisee, the legalist. Much of the evangelistic work that’s going on is not exactly for the kingdom of God. Did Jesus say go out and save souls, or did he say go out and make disciples?
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
We saw from 1 Corinthians that the Jew seeks after a sign and the Greek seeks after knowledge. So Paul would preach to the Jew, because they wanted a Christ, you know, that was anointed and that was king, but what Paul preached to them was the crucifixion of Christ, their King, and the Greeks wanted knowledge; they wanted to know all about it. So Paul preached to them tongues and interpretations and foolish things, and that’s the way Paul taught.
The Gentile Harvest and Body of Christ
The Gentiles are those upon whom the latter-day rain is going to come. That will be the harvest of the end of the time, because from the Gentiles we’ll see the nations or the denominations coming forth. Shem, Ham, and Japheth were where we were at, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth branched out and formed the nations.
We look around and see all the denominations of the Gentiles as we begin to walk into their synagogues and into their lives, and present to them the word of the kingdom; they’re going to come out. As they come out, they will form the body of Christ, the man that I talked about last night, the perfect man, the man that I’ll teach you about Sunday.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
1 Corinthians 13:10
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
We’ll see that perfect man emerging from the denominations coming together to form the. And those are our present-day charismatics.
Unbelieving Jews and Stirred Minds
Acts 14:2
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
Unbelieving Jews, now the Jews and religious people are always stirring something up. They’re always messing with people’s minds. They’re always stirring people up. Religious people are just that way.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
The word stirred is 1892 in the Strongs, and it means to rouse upon, in effect to excite against. The word “minds” there is psyche (psuche in Greek). Remember that spirit is fuma, mind psyche, and body is soma. This is psyche, the mind, which is the mind, the will, the emotions, and the attitudes, which is the soul. Everybody wants your soul. The battle is over the soul.
The word “evil” means to injure, to exasperate. The lexicon says to harm or do evil to anyone, to ill-treat, plague, injure, to put one in a bad mood against anyone.
Acts 13:45
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
In Acts 13:45, the Jews saw the multitudes and were filled with envy. So they spoke against Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women. Here, the Jews stirred up the Gentiles. Religious people are constantly stirring up something. The evil of unbelief always works that way. The serpent beguiled Eve through her mind, 2 Corinthians 11:3. The actual battle is in your mind. Everyone wants your mind, which includes your soul. There’s your battle.
Signs, Wonders, and True Ministry
The ministry received testimony from the Lord through signs and wonders. Present-day ministry, New Testament ministry, will be followed with signs and wonders. Mark 16 tells us that these signs shall follow them that believe. How can you know believers from unbelievers? Signs following. If there are no signs, if there is no New Testament ministry.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
We’re looking at the gifts of the Spirit on Sundays and on Tuesday nights. We’re examining the nine gifts in relation to the five natural senses. Here smell, taste, touch, and see, and the nine spiritual senses of the body of Christ. The five natural senses contact the world around us and also protect us from it. The nine spiritual senses do the same thing. They contact us with the spiritual world and also protect us from it.
If your five natural senses are not functioning in your body, what are you? A vegetable. If the nine spiritual senses are not functioning in the body of Christ, what is it? A vegetable, and there are no signs and wonders. The New Testament ministry, as portrayed throughout the book of Acts and the entire New Testament, was written to churches that produced signs and wonders. Everywhere Paul went, signs and wonders followed. I want my ministry to be followed with signs and wonders. I want the Lord to testify about me.
Acts 14:3
3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
How did the Lord testify? Signs and wonders. You can go to Hebrews 2:3, and 4, Mark 16:15, Romans 15:19, and see all of that, signs and wonders.
Division in the City and the Individual
Acts 14 verse 4
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
There was a “dividing” in the city. Dividing comes in threefold. First, there’ll be a “dividing” in your life. You’re going through that right now. You’re pregnant with the seed of the kingdom, and you’re going to give birth.
First, let me talk about the dividing that takes place in our lives. Many of us are experiencing this right now. It’s like something new is growing inside, about to be born. This dividing is taking place deep in the mind and soul.
The mind is like a womb, feminine and able to receive seed. The spirit, on the other hand, is masculine. Both the spirit of man and the spirit of the enemy want to influence your mind, the woman. If you look back to Genesis, you’ll notice Adam, Eve, and the serpent—all representing different spirits and influences.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
The mind can receive the wrong kind of seed, just like what happened with Eve. When you accept the wrong idea or influence, that’s a kind of spiritual adultery. It’s important to recognize those things in yourself and, as was shared with the ladies Monday night, be willing to abort anything unhealthy that has been planted. Get rid of the serpent’s seed and let the seed of God grow instead.
If you grasp the idea that the mind is the woman, it opens up a lot of scripture. Whenever you see “the woman” in biblical text, you can understand it as related to the mind and soul. Both good and evil spirits desire this woman, so there’s a constant battle for your mind and soul.
This dividing is going on inside each of us. It’s a clash between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Right now, many of you are facing this internal conflict. You know the difference between right and wrong. The seed you choose to receive will decide what you bring forth from your life. If you receive the wrong seed, your fruit will be wrong. If you receive the right seed, your fruit will be good. Just as Jesus said, you’ll be known by the kind of fruit you produce.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
This dividing doesn’t just happen in individual hearts. There will also be dividing in families and in cities. In Luke 12:49-53, we saw that while the baby Jesus brought peace on earth, the Jesus of chapter 12 came to bring division. He is causing separation even now, and his baptism will burn up the earth. You can wait to see what they say the Revelation will bring if you want, but I see the scriptures clearly showing that the baptism Jesus brought will burn up the earth. That’s found in Luke chapter 12.
There is going to be dividing in every city, hamlet, and community where the kingdom of God is taught and the seed is planted. As the word and leaven of the kingdom spread, division will happen. You’ll see it in homes—even between fathers. It will also occur in the church world and in the cities. Scripture points to three types of division. In Revelation 16, Babylon is divided into three parts, similar to how we observe these divisions in society.
That’s a recap. Now, let’s move ahead.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
The Assault Against Paul and Barnabas
Acts 14:5-7
5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7 And there they preached the gospel.
Facing Violent Impulse and Moving On
The Assault—verses five through seven. The word “assault” means a violent impulse. Have you ever had a violent impulse? Sometimes people get on your nerves so much that you feel like you could throw a rock at them. Maybe not everyone will admit it, but it happens.
The best thing to do when someone is having a violent impulse is to leave. That’s what Paul and Barnabas did. When they realized people were about to attack them and throw rocks, they left. But they didn’t stop preaching. Instead, they went somewhere else to share the message. They left Iconium and went to Lystra, even though, honestly, they probably shouldn’t have gone there. But that’s what they did.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
So if you get close to someone and sense that violent impulse, leave. Don’t stay there and argue. If they really want to come after you, let them follow you. Just move on.
And I want you to understand—the rocks are coming. Whether we’re in Antioch, Iconium, or already arrived at Lystra, there is opposition coming. I can sense those violent impulses even now.
The Miracle at Lystra
Acts 14:8-10
8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:
9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Let’s talk about the ministry at Lystra and the miracle that happened there. In Lystra, there was a man who had been crippled since birth – never walked. He listened to Paul as he spoke. Paul looked at him closely and realized the man had faith to be healed. Paul then called out loudly, “Stand upright on your feet,” and the man immediately leaped up and walked.
We’ve been studying the gifts of the Spirit on Sunday mornings. In this moment, I see at least four gifts of the Spirit at work. The first was a word of knowledge—Paul knew the man had faith to be healed. Then there was a word of wisdom about what to do next. Those two gifts should always work together, because knowledge without wisdom can cause trouble. Next was the gift of faith—the faith Paul expressed so the miracle could happen. Finally, there was the gift of healing. So, at least four gifts operated in this miracle.
That man represents all of us. The word “impotent” means unable, weak, or impossible. At one time, I was impotent in my thinking. I was unable and weak in my thoughts. Ministry came into my life and spoke a word that raised me up out of that place. Now, I help others come up as well.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
But this is about more than physical healing. It’s about impotent humanity—a whole world of people who feel weak or unable from birth. Many are just sitting and waiting for someone to come along, like Paul or Peter, and lift them up so they can finally run, leap, and praise God. That’s what real ministry does: it brings life and hope where there was once only weakness.
It happens still today. We have to be willing to reach out and lift up those who are struggling, helping them see the truth and shake off the lies or deception they have believed. By doing so, we can participate in the same kind of miracles described in Acts.
This is what true ministry does. It helps those crippled by doubt or discouragement to stand and move. Just like Peter lifted a beggar at the temple gate in Acts 3, we are called to lift people up so they can leap and praise God.
Ministry Will Confront False Doctrine
Some say I teach false doctrines, and that’s not new. Even in Acts 15, people argued over what was true. But real ministry will always confront false ideas and help the weak find the truth. That’s the ongoing mission.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Acts 15:1-2
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Right now, people are saying that I’m teaching false doctrines. This is nothing new. Back then, certain men came down from Judea—specifically from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish teaching. They tried to convince the believers that unless you’re circumcised according to Moses’ law, you can’t be saved. Their message was clear: unless you teach and believe exactly as they do, then you’re lost.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Paul and Barnabas disagreed strongly, and it caused quite a dispute. Eventually, they decided to go up to Jerusalem to present this issue to the apostles and elders—the headquarters, so to speak. People were accusing Paul of teaching the wrong doctrine simply because he wasn’t teaching it their way. This situation could easily be as fresh as today’s news. It amazes me how people want to label anything different as false.
Ministry can change you. It can bring you to a place where you can run, leap, and praise God.
The Response to True Anointing and the Nature of Ministry
Human Response to the Anointing
When Paul healed the impotent man, people thought he and Barnabas were gods. They called them Jupiter and Mercurius and tried to worship them. This shows a common human reaction to the anointing; when someone moves in true spiritual power, people tend to lift them up, sometimes too high. This happens with many well-known evangelists today—they are anointed, but they are not gods. People always seem to react this way when they see real anointing.
Are we gods? Let’s take a look at this thought.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
The Testing of Jesus and Ministry
Luke 4:1
1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
The Wilderness as the Place of Testing
Let’s look at Luke chapter 4. Jesus was tempted before He began His ministry. Before He could declare, “I am anointed of the Lord,” He had to face this time of testing. In Mark chapter 1, it says Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness. But in Luke 4:1, it says He was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”
Those whom the Spirit leads are the sons of God. So, where does the Spirit lead you? Into the wilderness. If you resist, He may even drive you there. Either way, you will face a wilderness experience.
In that lonely place, Jesus was tempted and tested in every major area—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Each of these tested His anointing. After enduring it all, Jesus came out victorious and declared the power of the Spirit upon Him.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Luke 4:18-19
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
The Anointing and Full Testing
Notice in verse 18, it says, “He hath anointed me.” You are not walking in the full anointing until you have been fully tested. Jesus first faced the temptation of the lust of the flesh—turn these stones into bread. Then came the test of the lust of the eyes – devil showed Jesus the kingdoms of this world. Finally, He faced the pride of life – jump off the temple. These are human tests we must defeat to have the anointing like Jesus.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Luke 4:9
9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
Jerusalem as a Symbol of the Church
And he brought him to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the church. Galatians chapter 4 tells you that Jerusalem is a type of the church. There’s a natural Jerusalem and there’s a spiritual Jerusalem, and it’s the mother of us all.
Galatians 4:26
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Hebrews 12:22-23
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
That heavenly Jerusalem is described as the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. So, when the Scripture speaks of the heavenly Jerusalem, it is referring to the church.
Luke 4 said that the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem. Was that the natural, earthly Jerusalem? No. The Spirit is showing something deeper.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Luke 4:9
9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
The Temple and the Test of Elevation
That means He brought Him to the church. Many ministers today are also brought into the church, where they are tested.
The passage goes on to say that Jesus was set on the pinnacle of the temple. Who is the temple? We are. The body of Christ, the church, is the temple. So when Jesus was placed there, it symbolized being lifted to a high place within the body, a position of visibility and influence. That’s where the test of the anointing comes. The pinnacle represents spiritual elevation, where one can be tempted by pride, recognition, or self-promotion. This is part of the testing of anyone who carries God’s anointing.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Luke 4:12
12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
It is a temptation, folks. I’ve had a little of it. I mean, I know how it feels when people come to you and say, Oh, Brother Young, that was so good. Nobody’s ever taught like that before. I get lifting up on that pinnacle. And it is a test. And if you don’t pass this test, you will fall, and you’ll fall.
I’ve seen so many fall. Most of them don’t get this far. Most of them are taken by either the lust of the flesh, which gets the majority, or the pride of life, which is a lust of things. Few ever get to this place, to this test. But when they do get to it, it is tough.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Human Response to Miracles and the Anointing
Acts 14:11-18
11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
Paul and Barnabas Refuse Human Worship
When the people saw what Paul had done, they cried out in their language, saying, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men.” When a minister truly moves in the power of God, people often have a strong reaction. They may put him on a pedestal. Sadly, many ministers allow it to happen. But Paul gives us a clear example of how to respond when people begin to treat a minister as more than a man.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
The first thing Paul did, found in verse 14, was tear his clothes. This showed outward disapproval. In other words, he refused to accept their praise or worship. Ministers should do the same when people exalt them, showing clearly that such treatment is not acceptable. Paul’s action reminds us that true ministry never allows people to place a man where only God belongs.
Next, in verse 15, Paul said, “We are men with like passions.” He was reminding them, just as Elijah did in James 5:17, that ministers are human. They have weaknesses and limitations. Ministry does not mean perfection or divinity. People often forget this and look to the ministers instead of to Jesus. But we are told to look to Him—the author and finisher of our faith.
Scripture teaches that ministers should be honored, remembered, and esteemed highly, as mentioned in Hebrews 13:7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:13. Acts 5:13 even says the ministry is magnified. Yet, ministry is never to be worshiped. Respect and honor belong to ministers, but worship belongs only to God.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Finally, verse 18 shows that Paul restrained the people. That means he calmed them down and stopped their attempt to sacrifice to him and Barnabas. They were ready to make offerings as if Paul and Barnabas were gods. But Paul reminded them that the only acceptable sacrifice is the one we give to God—our own lives, as Romans 12:1-2 says, “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.” That is the right kind of worship and the right kind of response to the true anointing.
Sacrifice and the Purpose of Worship
When you sacrifice your body, it represents a type of death. In the Old Testament, sacrificial animals started out alive but always ended up dead. This shows that sacrifice means dying. When the people wanted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, they were missing the point. You do not die for ministry. You die for the Lord Jesus because you are crucified with Him. Your life is hidden with Christ in God.
It’s essential to understand this. Never worship a minister or ministry so much that your sacrifice is because of them. Your sacrifice is meant for Jesus. You do not give because the minister tells you to. You give because it is an offering to the Lord. We don’t attend church to please the minister or praise the Lord because you’re asked to do so by a human leader. Every act of worship, giving, and service is meant for Jesus alone.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Ministry should restrain excitement if it’s focused on an individual. If people start elevating a minister to a pedestal, true ministry will calm that kind of excitement. Paul and Barnabas did not accept sacrifices meant for them. They reminded everyone that the sacrifice should be for Jesus.
We should honor ministers and learn from their example. Paul did say, “Be followers of me,” but he never suggested that anyone worship him. Ministers are examples, not objects of worship. All these things—praising, giving, attending, and worship—must be done for Jesus Christ alone, never for ministers.
The Meaning of ‘You Are Gods’
Psalms 82:6
6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Creator Nature in Humanity
The Lord says, “I have said you are gods.” The Hebrew word translated “gods” is Elohim, which means creator gods. Think about it this way: If you are a father, you have created life. Your seed produced children in your likeness and image. In that sense, you are a creator. You bring forth sons and daughters, both male and female, just like God did. So, in a human sense, you carry a part of that creative nature—Elohim. That’s what God is getting at in this verse.
Jesus’ Affirmation of This Truth
Jesus backs this thought.
John 10:34-35
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Jesus was quoting scripture and confirming that God called His people “gods.” Jesus backed up that statement, showing there is truth in it. However, we need balance. We are not gods who should be exalted or put on a pedestal. The Greek word translated as “gods” is theos. Many churches operate as democracies, but we are meant to function as a theocracy—God’s divine government. The word “gods” is plural, which means it is about us together, not just as individuals.
When we join together as believers, we form one body—the body of Christ. As the Christ in me connects with the Christ in you, we collectively display the perfect man to the world. This is what happened on Pentecost, when the Spirit divided and rested on each person in the upper room. Each believer received the Spirit, and together, we display Christ on earth.
We are not gods like men who are exalted in Acts 14. Instead, we are members of one body, gathered to show Christ to our city and the world. That is what the scripture means when it says, “You are gods.”
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Persecution and the Example of Paul
Acts 14:19
19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
The Reality of Religious Opposition
Jews from Antioch and Pisidia followed Paul all the way to Lystra. They were determined to stop him. When they caught up with Paul, they persuaded the crowd to stone him. In verse 19, it says they stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city, and thought he was dead. The word “drew” here means “dragged.” They literally pulled Paul by his feet and removed him from the city.
Was Paul actually dead? The word “supposing” used in this passage is a legal term. It means Paul was considered legally dead by everyone present. Paul speaks about this event in 2 Corinthians 11:25 when he says, “Once I was stoned.” In Galatians 6:17, he mentions bearing marks of Jesus on his body. 2 Timothy 3:11-12 also describes his persecutions.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Paul was thought to be dead. His friends were standing around, wondering what to do with his body. Should they bury him, or try to return him to one of the cities he had visited? Amazingly, Paul got up despite what had happened to him.
Endurance and Deliverance
2 Timothy 3:10-12
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Paul told Timothy that he knew about my persecutions and sufferings—what happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! He describes the hardships he faced. Paul was stoned and considered legally dead, but the Lord delivered him from all of it.
Verse 12 gives a promise: “All who want to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” We often love the promises about blessings, but this is a promise too. As believers, we need the refining that comes from persecution. Trials and tribulations are part of the process that removes impurities from our lives. Without persecution and testing, we cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Tribulation as the Path to the Kingdom
Acts 14:22
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Acts 14:22 confirms this. Paul taught that “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” It’s not a popular message, but it’s the truth. If you genuinely live and teach the Word, you will face challenges and tribulations in this world.
Jesus prayed, “Father, I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). We are to stay faithful, knowing that Jesus has overcome the world.
Miraculous Recovery and Ministry Perseverance
Acts 14:20
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Paul’s Miraculous Revival and Journey
After Paul was stoned, verse 20 says the disciples gathered around him and he got up. He returned to the city, and the next day he traveled with Barnabas, walking twenty miles to Derby. Whether Paul was really dead or not, this was a miracle—after such a violent experience, he had the strength to keep going.
Most people, after such an ordeal, might want to start their own group or draw attention to themselves. But Paul did not do that. He went on to minister with Barnabas. After working in Derby, he returned to the very cities where he had been persecuted: Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. These were the same places where people had tried to harm him.
Jesus did this, too—He returned to places where He had faced rejection and threats, as seen in John 10:31 and John 11:8. Paul went back, preached grace and love, helped establish churches, and set up leaders.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
The Example for Our Lives
What about us? When people hurt us, are we willing to go back and show them grace? Paul set an example by demonstrating love and helping those who had mistreated him. People today need living examples, not just teaching. They need to see the life of Christ shaping us and changing us. That’s how others truly see Christ at work in us.
Establishing the Churches and Ordaining Elders
Acts 14:21-23
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Ministry of Confirmation, Encouragement, and Leadership
After returning to the cities, Paul and his team began to establish ministries. In verses 22 and 23, they confirmed the believers, encouraged them, ordained elders, and commended them to the Lord. Their work included teaching, building up the churches, and setting up church leadership.
Paul reminds us in this passage that entering the kingdom of God comes through much tribulation. He was the best person to say this, having just endured being stoned a few verses earlier.
When the apostles chose leaders, it was not about voting or forming boards. Paul and Barnabas themselves ordained the elders, placing people in leadership as the Spirit directed. As I reflect on this, I am deeply thankful for the church and the people God has placed around me. There are not many places that could support and release someone like me to serve freely. I am grateful and truly blessed by this community.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
The Journey’s End and the Door to the Gentiles
Acts 14:24-28
24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
The Open Door and Response to the Gospel
After their journey, Paul and his companions returned to Antioch. They shared that God had opened the door to the Gentiles. We saw this happen earlier with Peter in chapters 10 and 11. A door has two sides. On one side are those who enter into what God is doing. On the other side are those who choose not to enter. Sadly, some receive the invitation, but others decide to stay outside.
Today, many still ignore what God is doing in their day. Some wonder, some criticize, and some miss out entirely. But there are always a few who choose to enter through the door, which is the kingdom of God.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Division, Signs, and the Lesson of Praise
When you share the gospel, especially in religious circles, be prepared for both acceptance and rejection. Some will love what you say, while others may oppose or even hurt you. There is always division wherever God’s kingdom is preached. But signs and wonders follow those who truly believe, and God confirms faithful ministry.
Never worship ministry or people, even when they are honored or respected. Ministry should be held in high regard, but not worshiped. Paul’s experience shows this clearly. People once acclaimed him as a god, but soon after, they stoned him. The same thing happened to Jesus—the crowd praised Him and shouted “Hosanna,” but later shouted “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
So, remember this lesson. People may praise you today and reject you tomorrow. Stay grounded. The same hands that lift you up can turn against you. Never base your faith or confidence on the praise of others.
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 2: How to Shine in Tribulations
Other Related Sermons:
Acts Series Chapter 14 Part 1 Audio
Part 2 Aspects Of The Holy Spirit Audio
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