Paul the Preacher: A Journey of Faith and Boldness

(Acts 13-20)

“The Gods Have Come to Earth”

(Acts 13-14)

The church at Antioch flourished with faith and love, and Paul and Barnabas stayed for a year, teaching the believers and strengthening their faith. One day, as they fasted and prayed, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly: “Set apart for Me Paul and Barnabas for the work to which I have called them.”

Obediently, the church laid hands on them, prayed for God’s blessing, and sent them forth. Their mission was not without peril. They would face treacherous seas, rugged mountains, and hostile crowds, yet God’s presence would be their guide.

Their journey began on the island of Cyprus, where they boldly proclaimed the gospel. From there, they sailed to the mainland, preaching first in Jewish synagogues. Some believed, but others, angered by their message, drove them out. Turning to the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas found eager hearts, but this only fueled the fury of their opponents.

In Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been crippled since birth. The townspeople, astonished, shouted in their native dialect, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” They declared Barnabas to be Zeus and Paul to be Hermes, the messenger god.

To Paul and Barnabas’ horror, the priests of Zeus brought garlands and bulls for sacrifice. Paul cried out, “Men, why are you doing this? We are human, just like you! We bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven, earth, and sea.”

With difficulty, they stopped the sacrifices. Yet, trouble soon followed. Stirred by agitators, the crowd turned against Paul. Dragging him outside the city, they stoned him and left him for dead. But as the disciples gathered around him, Paul rose and returned to the city.

Undaunted, Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps, encouraging new believers and appointing leaders for the churches. Their message was clear: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

Singing in Prison

(Acts 16)

On another mission, Paul and Silas found themselves in Philippi. They preached boldly, but their actions—freeing a slave girl from an evil spirit—angered her masters, who profited from her fortune-telling. Dragged before the authorities, Paul and Silas were accused of causing chaos. Without a trial, they were beaten and thrown into the darkest cell of the prison, their feet locked in stocks.

That night, as their wounds ached and the cell reeked of despair, Paul and Silas lifted their voices in prayer and praise. The other prisoners listened, astonished at their faith.

At midnight, the ground shook violently. Chains fell loose, and prison doors swung open. The jailer, assuming the prisoners had escaped, drew his sword to take his own life.

Paul shouted, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here.”

Trembling, the jailer fell at their feet and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household,” Paul replied.

That night, the jailer washed their wounds, and Paul baptized him and his family. Joy filled the household as they embraced the message of salvation.

When the morning came, the officials ordered Paul and Silas’ release. But Paul, a Roman citizen, demanded justice. “You publicly beat and imprisoned us without a trial. Let the officials come and escort us out themselves.”

Fearing repercussions, the authorities apologized and asked them to leave the city. But before departing, Paul and Silas visited the believers to encourage them one last time.

Riot at Ephesus

(Acts 19)

Paul spent three years in Ephesus, where his preaching led many to abandon their idols and magic. The city, known for its grand temple to Artemis, saw dramatic changes as believers burned their books of sorcery and turned to the living God.

This enraged Demetrius, a silversmith who crafted idols of Artemis. “This Paul is persuading people to forsake our gods,” he warned the craftsmen. “Our trade is at risk, and the temple of Artemis may lose its glory!”

His words incited a riot. Crowds flooded the streets, chanting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Chaos erupted, and Paul’s friends held him back, fearing for his life. The uproar continued until the city clerk restored order, dismissing the crowd with a warning against causing further trouble.

Realizing his presence might endanger the believers, Paul said farewell to the church and departed, leaving behind a flourishing community of faith.

The Long Sermon

(Acts 20)

On his journey to Jerusalem, Paul stopped in Troas, where he preached to a crowded gathering of believers. The room was hot and filled with the flickering light of oil lamps.

As Paul spoke late into the night, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on a windowsill, grew drowsy. Unable to stay awake, he fell from the third-story window to the ground below.

Horrified, the crowd rushed to his side, finding him lifeless. But Paul, full of faith, embraced the young man and said, “Do not be alarmed; he is alive.”

To everyone’s astonishment, Eutychus was restored to life. Joy filled the gathering as they returned upstairs to break bread and listen to Paul until dawn. Strengthened by his words, they bid him farewell as he continued his journey.

Paul’s life as a preacher was marked by trials and triumphs, persecution and miracles. Through every storm, every prison cell, and every hostile crowd, Paul remained steadfast, proclaiming the good news of Jesus with courage and faith. His story is a testament to the power of the gospel and the unshakable hope found in Christ.