Key Church Principle #22: Division
Acts Chapter 13:44-14:6
Last night and tonight’s “What Sweeter Music” performance features the man Simeon, played by Evan Hodson. Simeon in Luke 2 quotes the same passage from Isaiah that Paul and Barnabas quote in Acts 13, the first fulfillment of Isaiah’s (and Simeon’s) prophecy .
What does light do? It divides the seen from the unseen. It separates darkness from brightness.
Oftentimes, we believe that if we do everything properly, the end result will be unity, harmony and peace. However, today’s passage shows the opposite is true. Instead of unity, Paul frequently brought division. Jesus also said that would be the outcome of His ministry: “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51)
Read Acts 13:44-14:6. (By the way, many LifeGroups are going through the study of the book of Acts. If you are not in a LifeGroup, find one that suits you and join it.)
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” (Isa. 49:6)
48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
1 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
7 And they were preaching the gospel there.
If you are not meeting Satan head on every day, it may be because you are likely going the same direction he is. If you are finding things in your life that used to not bother you but now you feel conviction, it is because the light of the Holy Spirit and salvation is separating you from the darkness in which you formerly walked.
To go with God is to go against the flow of the world.
Read verse 13:46. Did opposition intimidate Paul and Barnabas?
When division happens, look for the good. When shadows come, look for the light.
As a result of the rejection, Paul and Barnabas turn with the gospel to the Gentiles (verse 46). This fulfilled the prophecy first told by Isaiah, then Simeon, and now being fulfilled in Acts 13 and on up unto today.
In actuality, Jesus’ coming was not just for the Jewish race and religion, it was for the entire world to have the opportunity to be saved. The best way to “get even” or to “get back” at the devil if and WHEN he sends division and darkness your way is to bring joy and happiness through salvation to others. What Sweeter Music is there? You won’t be able to save everybody, but don’t allow the fact that some reject the message rob you of your joy.
Write out what would be a likely scenario of suffering in your Christian walk if you put light in the darkness? Then write down how you should respond to make you a good “martyr” (that is, a good “witness” in the midst of suffering).
Read verses 20-24. We see that the word of God grew and multiplied, but Herod, who was responsible for James’ death, was eaten by worms and died. What are some comparisons and contrasts to James’ life and death and that of Herod’s?
Final question: Is it always in your best interest to live your life for God?
