And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. Acts 14:18-19

The people’s reception of Paul and Barnabas at Lystra was positive to the point of being negative. The were so enamored by these gospel preachers that the people wanted to worship the men instead of the Lord they faithfully proclaimed!

Note to self: It is nice when people like me, but the point is not for me to be liked, but for Christ to be received and worshipped.

There were people, however, from previously visited places, namely Antioch and Iconium, who hated Paul and Barnabas (because they hated Christ and the gospel) so much that they followed them to Lystra to oppose them.

A parenthetical thought: This reminds me of antagonistic atheists who vehemently work to oppose Christ and the gospel. Why do they do this? If they believe Christ and the gospel are fairy tales, just disbelieve and move on. I don’t believe in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, but I have no passion to oppose them! Those who disbelieve and feel they must oppose Christ—even violently—do not disbelieve in Christ. They HATE Him! There is a difference!

They hate Him because they know He is real (Romans 1:18-ff) and that they will stand before Him for judgment. They hate the the conviction they feel in their hearts. They foolishly dream that if they shut His people up, they won’t have to bend their knees to Him. (Philippians 2:9-11)

How much did they hate Paul and Barnabas, and CHRIST? Enough to chase them to another city and attempt to kill them!

Some lessons from this next time…