Proclaim the Gospel
Who do you need to share the gospel with?

Persist through Opposition
What needs to happen for you to persist through opposition?

Partner in Ministry
How can you partner with others to advance ministry?

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:

1. Review Acts 13:48-52 before beginning Acts 14. What happened to the people of Antioch in the end?
2. Read Acts 14:1-7. Where is Iconium and who are "they"?
3. Didn't Paul declare to the Jews in Antioch that he and Barnabas will turn to the Gentiles? Why, then, did they go to the Jewish synagogue?
4. Why does Acts 14:1 say "Greeks" instead of “Gentiles”?
5. What might the Jews have said to poison the Gentiles minds?
6. Why did Paul and Barnabas stay there "a long time"?
7. What was one of the results of Paul and Barnabas' preaching in the Jewish synagogue of Iconium?
8. What lessons can we learn from the boldness of Paul and Barnabas in preaching the Gospel amidst persecution in Iconium?
9. Where are Lystra, Derbe and Lycaonia?
10. Read Acts 14:8-10. How does the miracle in Lystra demonstrate God's power?
11. Who had the faith to be healed?How did he get that faith?
12. Read Acts 14:11-13. Why did the people mistake Paul and Barnabas for "gods"?
13. Why did they call Paul, Hermes, and Barnabas, Zeus, and not vice versa?
14. Read Acts 14:14-18. What did Paul and Barnabas do when they realized that the Lycaonians intended to worship them?Why?
15. How can we apply Paul and Barnabas' response to being mistaken for gods in our own lives when we face undue praise or worship?
16. Read Acts 14:19-20. Who stoned Paul? How does the stoning of Paul reflect on the cost of discipleship?
17. What two major effects did the sharing of the gospel have? How does the reaction of the people of Lystra change from idolizing Paul and Barnabas to stoning Paul, and what does this tell us about the fickle nature of people?
18. Who gathered around Paul? Even though we don’t know specifically what happened at this moment, what might have taken place when they were gathered?
19. Read Acts 14:21-23. What can we learn from Paul and Barnabas' effort to revisit the cities where they were persecuted to strengthen the disciples there?
20. What did the disciples say is necessary to enter the kingdom of God? What did they mean by this?
21. Should we expect opposition when we preach the gospel?
22. Look up other passages of scripture, if needed, to answer - who are elders and what do they do within the church? How does the appointment of elders reflect the importance of leadership within the Church?
23. Why did they pray and fast before committing the elders to the Lord? What does it mean to commit them to the Lord?
24. How does the journey of Paul and Barnabas from persecution in one city to bold proclamation in the next reflect on their reliance on God's guidance?
25. Read Acts 14:24-28. Where are Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, and Attalia?
26. Hadn't they already preached the word in Perga on their way inland to Antioch? Why would they return?
27. What lessons can we learn from the way Paul and Barnabas continually encouraged new believers to stay true to their faith?
28. How does Acts 14 deepen your understanding of the costs and rewards of spreading the Gospel?

Live It Out:

Take some time this week to journal or reflect on the following questions.

1. What does the phrase "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" mean to you in your current circumstances?
2. How does the perseverance of Paul and Barnabas amidst trials inspire you in your personal faith journey?
3. How can you emulate Paul and Barnabas' commitment to sharing the gospel in your own lives?
4. How does Paul's recovery and return to the city after being stoned inspire you in your faith?
5. What are some practical ways you can follow the example of Paul and Barnabas in strengthening the faith of fellow believers? List specific people you can help strengthen.
6. How does the conclusion of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey inspire you to share your personal testimonies of faith with others? List specific people who you can share with.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Acts 14:1-7
Tuesday: Acts 14:8-10
Wednesday: Acts 14:11-13
Thursday: Acts 14:14-20
Friday: Acts 14:21-23
Saturday: Acts 14:24-28