Monday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 14
21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
Commentary:
14:21 Derbe, about 58 miles (93 km) southeast of Lystra, marked the farthest point in Paul’s first journey. The account is brief, noting only that Paul made a number of converts there. From that city (Derbe) Paul could have continued on south to his starting point of Syrian Antioch on foot, a much easier journey than backtracking through Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch (see map). The decision to take this longer route shows the importance Paul attached to maintaining contact with his churches and establishing local elders. It also shows tremendous courage that he would return to the cities from which he had been driven by such violent opposition. Debates surround the exact location of ancient Derbe, but many associate it with the unexcavated mound of Kerti Hüyük since inscriptions mentioning Derbe were found in the area.
14:22 Paul’s telling the Christians of those cities to expect many tribulations is echoed in his own account of his persecutions there (2 Tim. 3:10–12; cf. Rom. 8:17). Often in Acts new believers are exhorted to persevere in the faith (Acts 11:23; 13:43), and the reference to “tribulations” indicates that the Christian’s life is often beset by difficulties.
14:22 Paul’s telling the Christians of those cities to expect many tribulations is echoed in his own account of his persecutions there (2 Tim. 3:10–12; cf. Rom. 8:17). Often in Acts new believers are exhorted to persevere in the faith (Acts 11:23; 13:43), and the reference to “tribulations” indicates that the Christian’s life is often beset by difficulties.
Questions:
- In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas have traveled through multiple cities preaching the gospel, healing people, and seeing many come to faith in Jesus. Then, they retrace their steps and revisit all of the same areas where there were new converts in order to further strengthen and encourage them. They first encouraged them to be FAITHFUL. The writer of Hebrews in chapter 10 says that believers should "think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works," and to "not neglect our meeting together." Why is this important? Because we need each other. Literally every single minute of every day outside of these walls is pulling you away from Jesus. We need to attend church, in person, on a consistent basis. Are you ever tempted to just settle for watching church online? How might neglecting to meet with other believers in person negatively affect your faith?
- Being discipled means growth. We should all be slowly growing in our faith over time, but this take intentionality. You don't grow by accident. You should be more mature this year than you were last year. Are you growing spiritually or are you stuck? Can you honestly say you are more spiritually mature now than you were last year? If not, why not?
Prayer Topics:
- That you you have a new commitment to making church attendance a priority.
- That you would have the resolve to do what it takes to grow in your relationship with Jesus.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time, and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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