Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 2, 2011

Gospel Preached: Whether It was I or They; Whether We Stay, or Whether We Go

Today’s devotions comes from Acts 14:1-7.
 
“1  In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. 
                                 
 2  But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.  
                                   
 3  Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.
                                      

 4  But the people of the city were divided;  and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.

 5  And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them,

 6  they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region;

 7  and there they continued to preach the gospel.”  Acts 14:1-7. 

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It is noteworthy that in one situation of mistreatment the apostles stayed and even spent a long time there.  See Acts 14:2-3.  But, in another situation of mistreatment, the apostles fled and preached in another area.  See Acts 14:5-7. 

But, whether they stayed or whether they go, the gospel is preached.  Whether the gospel is preached by Paul and Barnabas or whether it is preached by others, the gospel is preached. 

1 Corinthians 15:11
“Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.”

2 Corinthians 5:9
“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”

Philippians 1:27
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

God is in control.  God is accomplishing His work.

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