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Acts 14:19-20 “But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe.” 

  It seems that where ever the gospel was preached, opposition to the message followed. This is true in the life of Jesus and this is true in the lives of the apostles. Our verse takes place during Paul’s first preaching trip, often called missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas were in the city of Lystra. The locals were calling Paul and Barnabas “gods.” The pagan priests were ready to sacrifice oxen to them. They stopped that. It seems that they were well received.

  Then our verses…Jews came, stirred the crowds up and the spirit changed. Instead of seeing them as gods, they were hated. The mob mentality took over and they nearly killed Paul. Some think that Paul actually died and this is when he went to the “third Heaven” in 2 Corinthians 12. Maybe, maybe not.

  There is a great statement for us in these verses. Paul was dragged out of the city. The persecutors thought they had killed him. Paul came to, got up and RETURNED TO THE CITY. He went right back to where he was stoned and hated.

  Those that were involved certainly were shocked to see Paul alive. They had to be impressed with his nerve and courage. That’s what catches our attention. It’s one thing to get up, dust yourself off, and travel to better places to preach. But he returned to the city. Amazing.

  We do well to think about this. It is much easier to leave opposition and head to safer places. Paul returned. Instead of returning to the city many leave.

  They leave a marriage because there are too many problems. Why not return and try to fix things, beginning with being the person you ought to be.

  They leave a congregation because someone said something harsh to them. Why not return to the congregation and continue on with the good you were doing?

  They leave a job because others talk about them. Why not return to the job and make the most of it?

  They leave preaching because some disagree with them. Why not return to the pulpit and continue preaching Christ?

  Paul would leave Lystra, but not before he returned there after being dragged out.

I wonder if we leave too soon and give up on places because of opposition. Interesting thought. Makes you look in your life and some of the decisions you’ve made. It’s hard to return, but sometimes it’s the best thing to do.

Roger