Amazing Grace #6

Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel. (Acts 14)

We saw the other day that Grace can be seen. Grace also speaks. It speaks whenever Christ is referred to and praised - whenever someone says: "It could not do that, but in Christ it has been done.  Paul and his missionary band continued to go from city to city telling people about Christ, which Luke refers to here as "the Word of His Grace." And they continued to have mixed reactions. Some welcomed their words, as they recognized in Christ the Savior they needed. But others not only rejected their words, they violently sought to silence them. Why? Why not just leave them alone? Because silence can be interpreted as consent, and they did not believe they needed Christ. The unbeleiving Jews wanted to keep trusting in their own good works, and the unbelieving Gentiles did not want to change their lives. As often has happened in history, government officials have been called in to silence followers of Christ.  But the missionary band would not be silenced. They continued on. May we too be willing to speak up for Christ, and the amazing Grace He gives to all who trust and follow Him.