And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
Acts 14:21-22
Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch?? Why would they go back there? In Lystra, the multitudes stoned Paul and left him for dead. (v. 19) In Iconium, a violent attempt was made on the disciples’ lives, so they fled that city. (v. 5-6) Finally, it was in Antioch that the persecution against Paul and his companions began as they were expelled from that region. (13:50) So, why in the world would Paul return? Did he have a death wish? What would compel such a seemingly foolish decision? In a word–love! It was his love for the believers which drove him to return so that he might strengthen their souls. They needed to be encouraged to know that suffering was part of following the Lord and that we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom.
Too many churches today seem to be focused only upon gaining new converts. They’re like giant incubators. They birth one group and move on to the next. They pressure members to bring new souls in so they can baptize them and send the new converts out to get some more. Sadly, this behavior is often motivated by a desire to get more money in the plate! Now, without a doubt, part of the church’s responsibility is to evangelize. We are to go “into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mar 16:15) But what we cannot do in the process of making disciples is abandon the existing ones! If a mother gave birth to a child and left it to starve so she could have another child, we’d lock her up! We’d never tolerate such behavior in the natural realm, so why should we in the spiritual?
Paul had a deep love for those who had already believed. He shook the dust off of his feet when he left Antioch as a testimony against all those who had rejected the gospel there. (Act 13:51) It was a dead region as far as new converts were concerned, but there were many existing believers there. It was his shepherd’s heart which called him back. There were sheep in Antioch which needed to be fed and guarded against wolves. He had to be sure of their safety, and he knew that in such a harsh environment, they needed to be strengthened. In addition to visiting themselves, they also took measures to see that they were cared for in the future. Act 14:23 tells us that Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders in every church” in these regions so that they would be well looked after when the apostles left to preach elsewhere.
When Paul left Ephesus in Act 20, he gave this instruction to the elders in that city: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch …” (Act 20:28-31) Not a word was spoken about evangelism. He simply told them to care for the sheep, to look out for one another. As they loved one another, some would witness that love and come to the knowledge of the truth. They would see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven! (Mat 5:16) That type of love is a distinguishing characteristic of the believer. How do we know we’re saved? “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.” (1Jn 3:14)
Souls are perishing around us. They need a Savior. Yes, we must point them to Him, but remember also, we’re living in a dark world which is hostile to the truth and those who declare it. Don’t overlook strengthening the souls of the disciples! We need that encouragement from one another. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Joh 13:35) “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal 6:10) Remember Jesus’ question to Peter? “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” If we do, how should we show that love? “Feed My sheep.” (Joh 21:17)
Jamie