Peter and Barnabas did not unwittingly flee from Antioch of Anatolia, but circumspectly continued on their way, accompanying Jesus Christ in his triumphal procession. They soon arrived in Iconium, another commercial center in Anatolia. They first entered into the synagogue of the Jews, for they had recognized and submitted to the prophecies of the Old Testament, stating that the Jews should be the first to hear the gospel of salvation, either to receive or reject it.
A vigorous church was soon formed in Iconium, made up of Jews who believed in Christ, and regenerated Gentiles. Luke recorded for us (chapter 13) a model sermon of Paul in the synagogue of the Jews at Antioch, and so, too, he preached in Iconium. When people in droves began entering the expanses of Christ, receiving His everlasting life, the ruler of the synagogue became envious. He opposed Paul’s interpretation of the Law and blasphemed against the once crucified, now living Jesus. A final, painful separation came about, one which had not been intended by Paul. This separation was not a result of wrong preaching or any haughtiness or selfishness on Paul’s part, but was an inevitable result of the revelation of the true gospel. The word of God either saves or hardens, either frees or binds. We must consider the need of spiritual refinement in our churches. Every necessary step to separate ourselves from sin, undertaken in humility for the gospel’s sake, is a great grace.
Why did many of the Jews not believe in Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified Christ and Lord of heaven? Luke writes that in spite of the knowledge, recognition, and drawing of the Spirit of God they did not want to believe. Their minds and their wills were against God, and they were not ready to receive grace. They had built their faith and righteousness upon their own works and human abilities. By so doing they rejected the necessity of repentance, and did not practice commitment to Christ. They hated the Savior, who said that He is the only way to God. Even today man will not be ready to receive Christ if he stops at the law, thinking it the right way to heaven. The Poor legalist deceives himself, for he does not observe his own drowning in sin. His trust in his own supposed godliness prevents him from repentance, confession, and brokenness. This self-conceited hypocrite thinks he is not in need of Jesus, the Savior, and he rejects His delivering hand stretched out to him. Are you in need of Jesus? Do you know your weak and sinful self? Do you daily hold fast to your Savior, night and day?
Luke called both Paul and Barnabas brothers, for they co-operated in great love and humble harmony in the brotherhood of the Holy Spirit. Neither of them sought after their own interests or any other thing separately. They prayed together, and participated in proclaiming Christ’s triumph.
They both sensed the growing hatred, yet they did not flee. They went on testifying to the new churches the fullness of the power of Christ. Wonderful healings and signs were being worked through the growing faith of the church, indicating the presence of the living Christ among them. The preaching became stronger and stronger, and the grace of Christ was manifested more and more. Even today He is prepared to send down His gifts to believers to strengthen their testimony. Thus, grace and faith were the basic elements in the apostles’ preaching.
The division in the synagogue of the Jews spread throughout the whole city, such that each family was split into two parts. The first part inclined toward the Jews and their commercial interests, along with the wish to preserve calmness in the city. They hated the new doctrine, and were prepared to drive Paul away, together with his agitating spirit. The second part sensed the power of Christ, for the deeds and words of the apostles shone as bright lights in the midst of darkness. They wished to carry out His triumph, and prayed for the presence of God’s blessing. They desired spiritual revival and growth in their city.
The new teaching, however, collided with old tradition. Those who were inflexible did not know how to overcome those wishing for God´s love to be manifested. When the Jews could not overcome Paul and Barnabas spiritually, they contrived secretly with the rulers and persons of rank in the town to torment the two apostles and stone them. They resorted to violence and murder, since their legalistic spirit could in no way overcome the free, Holy Spirit.
The apostles observed this evil intent beforehand, and went from Iconium, fleeing to another city. Death for Christ’s sake is not the only command of the Lord. It is sometimes more important to live for His sake, that service for His name and the spreading of His word may continue. So listen carefully to what the Holy Spirit says to you in your situation. Do not be surprised if you meet with troubles, persecutions, insults, and painful pressure for the sake of Jesus’ name. The apostle of the Gentiles fled from city to city and from one country to another. Each time he plucked up courage once again. He did not care about the hatred of his persecutors, but preached the greatness of Christ’s salvation, in and out of season. So pray, dear brother, and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Do not keep silent, but preach boldly the greatness of the love of Christ. By so doing you may be endued with power from on high.