Acts 14:19-23 The Book of Acts is exciting as we witness, by its words, the church being born. It's full of many firsts. This may not be a first: the persecution that came as a result of following Christ. Jesus had warned his followers to expect it. As He spoke what we know as the Beatitudes he warned that persecution would be a rather common part of the believer's life. We read of it in the gospels, and now in Acts it is a common part of the narrative.
Paul's wholehearted belief in his calling, along with his determined nature, gave him the will to carry on even though left for dead. Although he left one city, he entered another and continued to preach, but then returned. His message to those who faced difficulty was to continue in the faith also reminding them that many tribulations will be part of those who are followers of Christ. Vs.23 again highlights what seems to have been two essential components in the life of the early church- prayer and fasting. No doubt these were important actions as they sought to live out what they believed. They earnestly called out to God. How are we doing in calling out to God in dependence?
Pastor Paul
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