Paul and Barnabas travelled into the Roman province of Galatia. The church that they start in Iconium is likely among the churches Paul would later address in his letter to the Galatians. They speak so effectively here that significant numbers of people believe their message about Jesus.
Read More rejection, memory, opposition, choice
Not surprisingly the opposition to Paul has moved from rage to conspiracy. The conspirators ask that Paul be brought before the Council again for further information when in fact they have vowed not to eat or drink until Paul is dead. A nephew of Paul somehow gets wind of this, and tips him off.
Read More opposition, cheap grace
A central theme running throughout Scripture’s story is that of a war between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. The attempt to rebuild the city of God runs into problems from a number of sources. The first is the surrounding inhabitants who resent the work.
Read More problems, work, opposition, defence, realismWith the report that the walls were completely rebuilt (6:15), the next thing one would expect would be a report of the celebration that the task was completed, and done in record time. But instead, the narrative moves in a different direction. Although verse 16 recounts the general effect among the enemies …
Read More enemy, vigilance, opposition