Divine Signs Amid Division

Acts 14:1–7 (NASB95) 

1In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. 2But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. 3Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. 4But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, 6they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; 7and there they continued to preach the gospel. 

In this passage, we witness the ministry in Iconium as both a confirmation of God’s undeniable power and a vivid illustration of the division that often accompanies the spread of the Gospel. Paul and Barnabas, working in a city populated by a mix of Jews and Gentiles, encountered a response that reflected the deep roots of cultural and religious identity. Many came to believe and were moved by the miraculous signs that verified the truth of the message about Jesus. Yet, even as the wonders of God’s power were on display, a faction of the local Jewish community—fiercely attached to traditional interpretations and influence—stirred hostility among segments of the Gentile populace. Rather than softening resistance, these divine signs sharpened the split between those drawn to the new message and those who clung to long-established customs, underscoring that authentic power, though transformative for many, always provokes strong reactions from some. 

 Have you ever heard someone say something like, “I wish God would just give us a sign?” Here is the lesson: signs do not always lead to faith. We see this multiple times throughout scripture. 

 We face challenges similar to those in Iconium. In our diverse cultural landscapes, the Gospel often encounters both heartfelt acceptance and vehement opposition. Today, miraculous works of God—whether the undeniable transformation in lives, profound acts of service, testimonies of grace, or even modern-day miracles—continue to validate Jesus’s message, even as they may deepen existing societal divisions. The elite in our society, much like the influential groups in Iconium, sometimes lead the resistance to change when this world’s beliefs are challenged by new truths. In a world where systems of honor and social status still wield considerable power, we are called to remain bold and unified in proclaiming the Gospel. Let us build communities that bridge divides through compassion, dialogue, and resolute faith, recognizing that our mission is not to eliminate conflict but to shine the light of Christ amidst it, trusting that His transformative power will ultimately overcome every barrier.