“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).
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 borne out.
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 the faith! Our victory is the Lord’s!
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us not to loose heart when resistance comes. Help us to know the difference between the kind of resistance we are to overcome and the kind that You have sent to close a door in one place and open one in another. For results are in Your hands. Strengthen us to be faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.