Acts 14:19–23 (ESV)
Paul Stoned at Lystra
19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered
about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 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. 23 And when they
had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
The conclusion of Paul’s work in Lystra
illustrates both suffering for the Gospel and the power of the Gospel. God’s people should expect opposition from a sinful world. Yet, the Gospel is crowned with success! It grants us entrance into God’s kingdom, while strengthening and encouraging
us along the way.
I pray: Lord, strengthen my soul so that in faith I may say, “Why should cross and trial grieve me? Christ is near With His cheer; Never will
He leave me.” Amen. (LSB 756:1)
Edward A. Engelbrecht, The Lutheran Study Bible (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2009), 1864.