His Grace was True

Acts 14:3b ncv

“He (God) showed that their message about his grace was true . . .”

Paul and Barnabas traveled from Antioch and arrive in Iconium. They went as usual to the Jewish synagogue. They spoke so well that a great many Jews and Greeks believed. But some of the Jews who did not believe stirred up the trouble among the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas, saying all sorts of evil things about them (Acts 14:1-2).

In spite of trouble, Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium a long time and they spoke boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace. Some of the Jews found it hard to believe about “God’s grace” so the Jewish leaders brought theological arguments against Paul and Barnabas. Something happened here. God confirmed His Word of grace with miracles, signs and wonders done by Paul and Barnabas’ hands. NCV quoted: “He showed them their message about His grace was true by giving them the power to work miracles and signs” (Acts 14:3c). God gave miracles to help the Jews believe that His grace was true!

Wow! I would have like that! It would be wonderful to have miracles, signs and wonders to prove God’s grace. But surprise, it doesn’t always work that way. The next Scripture tells us that the city was divided. Some of them sided with the Jews, and others sided with the apostles, Paul and Barnabas.

We may wish we could perform a miraculous act that would convince everyone once and for all that Jesus is the Lord. But we see here that even if we could perform a miracle, it would not convince everyone. God gave these men power to do great wonders as confirmation of the message of grace, but people were still divided. Don’t spend your time and energy wishing for miracles. Sow your seeds of the Good News on the best ground you can find in the best way you can, and leave the convincing to the Holy Spirit (note from QuickVerse Life Application Bible).

What can I learn from this? Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:31). So let us believe God that His grace was true.

Dorothy