Filled with the Holy Spirit, the two persecuted apostles preached to the people of Derbe, a small city of Asia Minor. Many people believed in Christ, and left their deadness in sin to be admitted into the life of God, in righteousness and holiness. With this work the two apostles fulfilled the command of Christ, who said: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:19-20).
The two apostles were particularly impressed with the words: “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you”, for their churches were new. They were without a Bible in the Greek Language, without an order of meetings, and without experience in discussions with their enemies. The apostles were like a mother who had to part with her small children, who were still unable to feed themselves or to provide for themselves. The apostles longed for their forsaken, spiritual children. They did not fear death, but went back boldly into the cities in which they had been persecuted. Love overcame and dispelled all fear, for it is the greatest motivation in man.
The two apostles went back to Lystra, where Paul had been incriminated. There they did not preach to the multitudes in general, but strengthened the believers, the ones whom Christ had called out of the world and chosen for His kingdom. By this service both men practiced the duty of edification through preaching. They did not speak about dreams and imaginary hope, but testified with all clarity that we must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations. You cannot enter the kingdom of God without tribulations. You will meet waves of hatred, lying, torture, and sufferings for Christ, as a guarantee and sign of your entrance into the expanses of grace.
The two apostles understood the term “Kingdom of God” as the “Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ”, which became apparent in the power of the Son. All believers expect His coming in glory and the manifestation of His power on earth. Each and every person born again of the Holy Spirit is today a member of the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ purchased for us by His own blood membership in His kingdom, along with holiness, humility, and love. Did you enter the expanses of Christ? Do you await the appearance of the kingdom of the Father and the coming of Christ our Savior? The end of the kingdom of God is not the salvation of yourself or the growth of many churches. Rather, it is the appearance of the glory of the Father and the Son in the communion of those who live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Christ said: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things shall be arranged to you automatically” (Mt. 6:33).
The two apostles not only preached about faith, sufferings, and glory, but also organized the churches in a practical manner. They chose in accordance with spiritual maturity and experience elders, and appointed them to preside over the meetings and bear responsibility for the poor and the sick. The life of these elders, through their following Christ, became a good example of holiness, salvation, and temperance.
Thus the two apostles strengthened the churches, and could finally leave for other regions. They handed the assemblies over to Christ, the great Shepherd, who was with them all the days. To practice this handing over they prepared themselves through prayer and fasting. They sought the fullness of the Holy Spirit for the new ministers and principal members in the churches. They believed, too, that Christ himself bears ultimate responsibility for His church. The apostles did not make laws, rites, or hymnals for the churches, but instead committed those they met into the hands of the living Christ, keeping in mind that He can sanctify completely all those who are drawn into His triumphal procession.