30 April 2024
From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had completed. When they arrived, they called the church together and related all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles.
From Acts 14:19-28, NRSV
In today’s reading, we hear that the people were turned against the apostles by Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and of how Paul was stoned, dragged outside of the city and left for dead. Paul survived this ordeal, and despite his injuries, started the journey back to Antioch with Barnabas. On their way, they stopped to offer support and encouragement to several new Christian communities. On reaching their destination, they wasted no time in assembling the Church and giving full account of all that God had achieved through them and especially of how the “door of faith” had been opened for the Gentiles.
- Why do you think Paul and Barnabas took the trouble to revisit the new Christian communities?
- Whose task is it today to provide support and encouragement to our church communities?
Reflect on the ways in which you are able to offer support and encouragement to others and give thanks for those who do the same for you.
