Many different kinds of people can be seen in just one single chapter in Acts. In Acts 14, we encounter Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking about God to the Gentiles. Following them, there were Jews who opposed Paul, and later, the Lord, who performed miracles and wonders. Finally, there was also a group who mistook Paul and Barnabas for Zeus and Hermes, the Greek mythology gods, and offered them sacrifices.
When Paul began preaching the Gospel to them, it was the Lord who performed miracles to authenticate their message about Him. However, in the end, we see that the people could not comprehend the Lord God and instead worshipped mythological characters like Zeus and Hermes. How pathetic! We require God's power when proclaiming about Him. We need the Lord's miracles and wonders to validate it. Moreover, our most fervent prayers should be for people to open their hearts and minds, understanding that only the Lord God performs miracles and comprehending the Gospel. Nothing should be in vain but to save souls from any mythology that distances them from the Lord.
When they didn't believe the non believing Jews turned their hearts against Paul and Barnabas. Verse 19 says, they won the crowd over to their side, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town. Evil is ready to take its place in the people's heart when the hearts are deceived by lies.
Dear God, thank you for saving us, leading us every day, guiding us on the right path, granting us peace, grace, and your mercy. May everyone come to know you and be blessed. May your mighty protection be over ever one who shares your words to others.
Dear Lord, when you perform miracles and wonders, may their eyes be opened to see you. Let their hearts burn for you. May everyone who hears the Gospel understand it. Let nothing hinder them from knowing you in this life, Lord. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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