Acts 14:1-7 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

Faithful service: Iconium.

I. The MAGNANIMITY of the preachers; though badly used by the Jews of Antioch, they still return good for evil.

II. THE FIRST SUCCESS OF THE WORD , when there was no decided attempt to thwart it, a powerful testimony to its adaptation both to Jews and Gentiles.

III. THE TENACITY AND ENDURANCE of the representatives of truth must be set over against the fickleness of their hearers and the obstinacy and envy of evil-minded men. The Lord bears witness to us when we speak boldly in his Name.

IV. There is A LIMIT TO ZEAL . It must not unnecessarily sacrifice life. Fly to other places when the testimony is persistently rejected. " Cast not pearls before swine." The true wisdom is seen exemplified in this instance. The preachers remained at their post until their lives were actually in danger, and God said clearly, " Go. " — R.