1And in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue, and spoke so effectively, that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2But, again, the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3And so Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, Who confirmed their testimony by His grace, and enabled them to perform signs and wonders. 4But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5And then a mob of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, plotted to abuse and to stone them, 6But Paul and Barnabas became aware of it, and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia (about 20 miles apart), and the surrounding area; 7And there they continued to preach the gospel. 8And at Lystra, there sat a certain man, crippled from birth, and had never walked. 9And he listened to Paul speaking; and Paul, looking intently at him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10Paul said with a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet.” And at that, he jumped up and walked. 11And when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the form of men.” 12And they decided that Barnabas was the Greek god, Zeus (Jupiter); and that Paul was Hermes (Mercurius), because he was the chief speaker. 13Then the priest of Jupiter, whose temple was just outside of their city, brought bulls and garlands (wreaths) to the gates, because he wanted to offer sacrifices to them. 14But when Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes, and rushed out into the crowd of people, shouting, 15“Friends, why are you doing these things? We, too, are only men of like passions as you, and are preaching to you so that you turn from these worthless practices to the living God, Who made heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16This same God, in times past, let all the nations go their own way. 17But He never left Himself without testimony: He has shown us kindness, giving us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, providing plenty of food and gladness.” 18And even with these words, they scarcely restrained the people, that they would not do sacrifices to them. 19And then certain Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, who turned some of the people against them, and, after having stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. 20But as the disciples stood around him, he got up, and came back into the city; and the next day he and Barnabas left Lystra for Derbe. 21And when they had preached the gospel and had taught many at Derbe, they retraced their steps through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22Confirming the souls of the believers, and encouraging them to remain true to the faith, and reminding them that we must go through much tribulation to enter the kingdom of God. 23And after Paul and Barnabas had ordained elders in each church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in Whom they believed. 24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia; 26And from there they sailed to Antioch of Syria, where this missionary journey and work had begun, and by the grace of God, they had completed. 27And when they arrived at Antioch, they gathered the church together, and reported all that God had done through them (in the past two years), and how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28And they stayed there with the Antioch Christians a long time. Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |