Thoughts on Acts 14

One of the primary things that comes to mind in this chapter is the old Kenny Rogers song about "knowing when to hold, knowing when to fold, knowing when to walk away and when to run".

In the face of constant persecution we see Paul and Barnabas dig in their heels (vv. 2-3), hit the road (v. 6), walk back into town after being presumed dead (v. 20a), move on (v. 20b) and double back to all places that had been so tough (v. 21).

Not every circumstance calls for the same response.  But what did not change is they continued to preach in every place when that was the very activity that was making life so dangerous.  But as they shared with the young churches on their return, it is "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (v. 23).  When it comes to faith, tough is the default setting.

I am also fascinating by the three dangers of ministry highlighted in this chapter.

1.  Mistreatment.  (vv. 1-7)

Their opponents did not like them, their words or their ministry.  And they did all they could combat them personally and sought to draw in as many allies for the battle as possible.

If you have been in ministry long.  You know this is no stretch of the imagination.

2.  Exaltation.  (vv. 8-18)

After healing a lame man, Paul and Barnabas are suddenly treated as gods!  The people of the town try to offer sacrifices to them.

While this exact experience may not have ever happened to you, ministers are put on ridiculous exalted pedestals all the time.  Nationally known minister are often quoted and followed more closely than Jesus .  But even in our own places of ministry, we know the feeling of being improperly idolized for our crafted prayers, incredible biblical knowledge and theological insight, timely visits, insightful counsel, and oh so sensitive hearts.  And truth be told, we don't always hate these moments.  

Which is why this might be the greater of these two dangers.

3.  Popularity whiplash.  (vv. 19-23)

Amazing the crowd that stones Paul, is the very same one that was just trying to worship him!

Personally, I may find this one of the most exhausting elements of ministry.  The seemingly constant shifting winds of ministry approval.  "Pastor, you are just what this church needs."  "Pastor, I am really disappointed in you."  "Pastor, I want you to do my funeral."  "Pastor, I was here before you and I'll be here after you're gone." "Pastor...."

Through the years I have tried to remember this piece of advice I heard a coach once share, "you are not as good as they say you are and you are not as bad as they say you are".

So how do we survive?

"...with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed."  v. 23

Stay at the work.  Leave the rest to God, who has far more invested in His church than we ever will!