“The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said.” (Acts 13:44-45 NLT).

GREAT RESULTS OFTEN MARKED BY GREAT RESISTANCE

The ministry of Paul and Barnabas was marked by great results and great resistance. It was in Antioch Pisidia that Luke first began to refer to “Saul” as “Paul.” It it was also at that time that Luke began to refer to this great missionary team in reverse order, instead of “Barnabas and Saul,” he called them “Paul and Barnabas.” Paul really came into his own at Antioch Pisidia, boldly declaring the gospel and standing firm against those who opposed it. Barnabas must have been pleased to see how the trust he had put into Paul was now being proved right.

Yet, even though “almost the entire city turned out” to hear Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel, the evil one was actively present to slander and resist. Great results are often marked by great resistance. Therefore, stand firm and keep on preaching! The Lord will prevail.