The Word of the Lord is POWERFUL!

Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3)

This chapter sees Paul and Barnabas in the city of Iconium preaching in the Jewish synagogue. The Christian Standard Bible boldly starts verse 1, “The same thing happened in Iconium...” While this bit of commentary is not fully justified by the underlying text, it is insightful. On Cypress they encountered opposition but God’s word triumphed in Proconsul Sergius Paulus’ conversion. Even more dramatically in Antioch in Pisidia – Paul preaches the Gospel, both Jews and Gentiles are converted, and then due to jealousy, those unbelieving are moved to persecute Barnabas and Paul.

Indeed – In Iconium you see a great multitude of Jews and Gentiles believed (Acts 14:1), and the unbelievers stirred up the Gentiles against them. Verse 3 is a powerful example of God’s Word accomplishing its purpose.

And consider this – because of the poisoning of their minds, Paul and Barnabas grew bold and set the lion out of the cage. God’s Word is a two-edged sword, and we far too often leave it sheathed when it is able to reach deep into the souls of its adversaries. Paul describes this in 2nd Corinthians 10:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:3-5)

 

Paul’s boldness was due to his confidence in the word of God and God honored that confidence since signs and wonders were being done by their hands.

Let us resolve to call upon His name trusting in His holy Word - for our God is mighty to save!

The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17)

 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55:1-11)

Let us resolve to call upon His name trusting in His holy Word - for our God is mighty to save!