The Mission Rolls On — Acts 13:37–14:28
Nov 5, 2026 6
Paul ends his sermon with an invitation and a warning. What happens when the people hear both?
Acts 13:37–41
[37] but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. [38] Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, [39] and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. [40] Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: [41] “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” (ESV)
The next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathers to hear the word of the Lord. Some reject the message, and Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles, as God had commanded them (Acts 13:44–47). The Gentiles rejoice and believe; the word spreads, and the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:48–52). The mission rolls on, but people respond in different ways.
God is sovereign over who believes. Our task is to make Christ known; God brings the growth. We cannot grant eternal life, but God can.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
At Iconium, many Jews and Gentiles believe, but others plot violence. Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra and Derbe, where they continue preaching the good news (Acts 14:1–7). In Lystra, they heal a man who has never walked. The crowd wants to worship them as gods, but soon Paul is stoned and dragged outside the city, thought to be dead (Acts 14:8–19). But he gets up, enters the city again, and the next day leaves with Barnabas for Derbe (Acts 14:20).
After preaching the gospel in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas head back through Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch. These are the places where they had faced opposition and hardship. Why go back? Acts 14:21–22 tells us.
Acts 14:21–22
[21] When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, [22] strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. (ESV)
Why did they go back? To strengthen the disciples and encourage them to keep going in the faith. They did not run from the mission. They went deeper in. They were honest that following Jesus does not mean a life without hardship. They encouraged the disciples to remain faithful through tribulations. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders, prayed, and entrusted the churches to the Lord (Acts 14:23).
They eventually returned to Antioch, gathered the church, and reported all that God had done, including how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:24–28).
The Good News is…
The mission rolls on because Jesus is alive. This is the Spirit at work. This is what gospel grit looks like: making Christ crucified and risen known, strengthening disciples, and trusting God to bring the growth. We cannot grant eternal life, but God can. Keep trusting Jesus, even through hardship.
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Further reading: Acts 13:37–14:28
Reflection
Where are you facing hardship as you follow Jesus? Pray for strength to keep trusting him and to encourage others.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited