Scripture
The apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.
Observation
Having been rejected in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas travel to Iconium. They preach in the synagogue and a great number of people are saved. They stay there for some time, preaching boldly and demonstrating god’s power in signs and wonders.
A plan arises amongst both Jews and Gentiles to attack Paul and Barnabas. They flee to Lystra and Derbe where they continue to preach the Good News.
Application
The apostles stayed a long time in Iconium, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. It must have been difficult for some Jewish people to accept that they were saved by grace and not by following religious laws.
This is a radical message, even for many christians. We find it hard at times to believe that we really are set free and forgiven by God’s grace. We find it hard to squash that belief that we can earn God’s favour by our own goodness.
Alternatively, we can fall into the trap of thinking that we must be sinning when God feels distant.
It is all grace. Our salvation, our relationship with God, our status of righteousness- everything is grace!
To prove the power of the message, the Lord blessed the apostles with the grace to perform signs and wonders. When we truly trust in God’s grace, we are set free in every part of our being- physical, emotional, spiritual.
There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain. Not because the word is holy or magical, but because Jesus is powerful.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for your grace. Thank you for setting me free of every kind of sin. Amen.
