Acts 14:21-28
Reflect
In the passage today, Paul and Barnabas intentionally return to some of the places they ministered in previously, places where there were new disciples. If you were able to read the text from yesterday, you may notice that they are returning to Lystra. This is a city that first tried to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas and then ended up stoning Paul and leaving him for dead! You would think that Paul would maybe take a different route back to Antioch. Maybe a safer one! But he goes right back to the city that tried to kill him. What was so important that he needed to go back?
In verse 22 we see what Paul and Barnabas are up to. They returned to strengthen the disciples and to encourage them to remain true to the faith. The Greek word for exhort in this verse means “to call alongside.” What comes to mind when I think of this definition is a race with bystanders lining the road, calling out encouraging words right when the participants most need it. These are the words that may give them the energy and grit they need to cross the finish line.
Apply
What encouragement have you received that has really impacted you? Is there someone in your life that could use some encouragement today?
Erin Gibbard
Pray
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor and his family.
- Pray for our Young Adults Pastor, Nathanael Trinh, his ministry, and his family.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Melissa Chaffee and her family.
- Pray for our church Groups Assistant, Noah Okken.
- Pray for our Young Adults Ministry Assistant, Ethan Okken.
- Pray that God’s Spirit would work powerfully and effectively in all the various ministry groups in our church this week.