Turning the World Upside Down

Acts 14: 1-7

1 The same thing occurred in Iconium, where Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through them. 4 But the residents of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5 And when an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 the apostles learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country; 7 and there they continued proclaiming the good news.”

Jesus once described the division that his life and words would bring to the world, “father against son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother…” (Luke 12:53).  Christ knew that his example of love and mercy and his words of hope and redemption were words that would unsettle the existing order.

In the verses above we see that Christ’s prophetic words came to fruition.  After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in a synagogue in Iconium, a great number believed, but a great number also did not believe.  This naturally caused tension and strife among them and hatred towards the Disciples, such that the unbelievers plotted to kill Barnabas and Paul.

To Christians, the gospel is the word of God offering salvation to the world.  It is the hope of the world.  To unbelievers the gospel is a challenge to their way of life, turning it upside down, destroying their world.

In the midst of this tension, Christians are to show love and forgiveness, to be a beacon of light in the darkness for all who would believe.  We are never to conform to the world.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)