Serve God Loyally Despite "Many Tribulations" - TRIBULATION IN LYSTRA

More than once, Paul was persecuted because of his faith.(2 Corinthians 11:23-27)  One such incident occurred in Lystra. After healing a man who was lame from birth, Paul and his companion Barnabas were hailed as gods. The two had to beg the ecstatic crowd not to worship them! All too soon, however, Jewish opposers arrive, and they uses slander to poison the minds of the people.  Quickly the tide turned!  The people now pelted Paul with stones and left him for dead. - ACTS 14.

After visiting the Derbe, Paul and Barnabas "returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.  There they were strengthened the disciples, encouraging them to remain in the faith and saying: "We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations." (Acts 14:21, 22)  At first, their statement might seem strange.  After all, the prospect of going through  "many tribulations" would seem distressing, not encouraging.  How is it, then, that Paul and Barnabas "strengthened the disciples"  with a message that pointed to more tribulation?

We can find the answer of we look carefully at Paul's words.  He did not simply say: "We must endure many tribulations."  Rather, he said"  "We must enter the Kingdom of God through many tribulations."  So Paul strengthened the disciples by emphasizing the positive result of a faithful course.  That reward was no mere illusion.  Indeed, Jesus stated: "The one who has endured to the end will be saved." - MATTHEW 10:22.

If we endure, we will have a reward. For anointed Christians, that reward is immortal life in heaven as co-rulers with Jesus.  For the "other sheep," it is everlasting life on earth where "righteousness is to dwell." (John 10:6; 2 Peter 3:13) As Paul noted, though, we will face many tribulations in the meantime.  Consider two types of trials that we may encounter.

Next time: Serve God Loyally Despite "Many Tribulations" - FRONTAL ATTACKS

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