In Verses 16-18 Paul reminds the people that in the past God allowed them to go their own ways as they chose not to follow His ways, yet he did leave a witness. The idea here is that He, God, revealed Himself through nature. The main message of Paul's speech was to get the people to turn away honoring him and Barnabas as gods, and receive them as merely men sent by God.
Paul and Barnabas viewed themselves simply as men who are doing what God had commissioned them to do.
16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
Now, if you recall, with P & B's preaching there arose a faction against them from Antioch and Iconium, even though this is not told in detail, it is surmised they raised a strong opposition in Lysttra to Paul and then Paul was stoned and left for dead.
Can you image, even a little bit, people excited you are there and then the rebel rousers get the people to raise up against you. That is tough enough, BUT, being stoned! This has got to be an awful way to die. Just one agony after another as each stone makes its mark. The bruises and the cuts must have been terrible.
19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
Paul, now, is lying in a heap and left for dead. The Jews opposing him now are happy to have done their intended deed, the killing of Paul and his "awful" message, which was probably a threat to their life and life-style.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Now, at this point, can you even imagine, you, as a disciple, see your leader or pastor being stoned, thought dead, then suddenly, he rises up? The surprise of the disciples, but the "shock" to the people of the city when Paul rose up, returned to the city and continued preaching. Paul, then, left for Derbe the next day.
Wow! Super wow! Stoned, left for dead, rose up, preached some more, then the next day left, probably walking, for Derbe. That is not man power, but GOD POWER all the way. The strength HAD to come from GOD.
Hey guys, keep praying and thanks for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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