After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. (Acts 14:24–25)
Expanded Passage: Acts 13:1–5; 14:21–25
This past week I had the pleasure of having my grandbaby over for a few days. She has learned sign language, and one of her favorite words to sign is more! She lets me know when there is something she really likes to eat, saying, “Papi, I want more!” When she is full, she then says, “All done!”
A common theme for us, as we’ve journeyed through part of Acts this week, is that the Holy Spirit always wants to send us to more and more people. These cities or towns Paul and Barnabas visited were not the easiest places to share the gospel. At times they were welcomed, and other times they were met with great resistance. No matter where they went, there seemed to be confirmation from the Holy Spirit to continue and share the gospel with even more people.
To do this, our message must be simple, relatable, and portable. You’ve probably heard it said before that our message does not change, but our methods should. Part of our discipleship journey is adhering to what the Great Commission teaches, and that means we are to go and make disciples of all nations. May we not be intimidated by the people who say “no.” My hope is that when the final curtain closes, we’ll be able to say, “All done,” and we’ll hear him say, “Well done!”
Resolve today to go more to the “here, near, far, and hard” places.
Santes Beatty is a husband and father who loves traveling, writing, cooking, and equipping leaders. He is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church and serves with parachurch organizations.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
