In Iconium, many people (“Jews and Greeks”) became Christians through Paul’s preaching. He and Barnabas “stayed there for quite some time.” But opposition built once again. The irony was that unwittingly, Paul’s enemies kept spreading the gospel. This time their plotting drove Paul and Barnabas on to the cities of Lystra and Derbe (see map).

• Luke chose expressive language—he said Paul and Barnabas were “confidently speaking about the Lord.” Even when they felt they had to flee to Lystra and Derbe, they “continued to proclaim the good news.” In what ways did their trust in Jesus sustain their resilience in the face of opposition? In what parts of your life would you like to ask God to help you be resilient like the apostles were?
• In verse 5, Luke wrote that some Jews and Gentiles “hatched a plot to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas.” Paul had approved of Stephen’s stoning (cf. Acts 7:55-8:1), and scholar William Barclay said, “What was proposed in Iconium was nothing other than a lynching.” What do you think led Paul and Barnabas to choose to move on to other cities, rather than retreating to the safety of Antioch? How would you respond if you realized people wanted to kill you for your faith?