1 Kings 7: 23-51, 1 Kings 8: 1-21, Acts 13: 42-52, Psalm 99
Acts 13: 50-52 (ESV)
“But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and
the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their
feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy
and with the Holy Spirit.”
In verses 50 through 52, we read about Paul and Barnabas getting
kicked out of Antioch. Instead of stopping their preaching, Paul and Barnabas
went on to the next town and were filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Paul
and Barnabas did as Jesus commanded when he sent the disciples out two by two
to preach; they shook off the dust from their feet. This phrase meant one should
not have judgement about their preaching or what they were preaching because the
judgement is on the people who rejected the teachings. Even though they were
rejected, Paul and Barnabas continued preaching trusting God that leaving Antioch
was the best thing to do and they were many other cities that needed to hear
their preaching. Paul and Barnabas did not experience the hurt of rejection;
they only experienced joy because their joy came from the Holy Spirit and not
because of their circumstances. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will
experience joy no matter what our circumstances. Paul and Barnabas are good
examples for us to follow when we experience rejection when sharing with
someone the words of Christ. If we are rejected, we should move on and remember
the joy that comes of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses,
find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible based church where you hear
encouraging words and the joy that comes with being filled with the Holy Spirit.
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