GROWTH THROUGH PERSECUTION ACTS 14:8-28 In Lystra, since Paul and Barnabas could not go to synagogue, as their custom, preached in open air. Paul spoke with a loud voice to capture the attention of the crowd. Miracles were performed for the purpose of providing confirmation for the Word. I. ADORATION 14:14-18. Paul and Barnabas said, ‘instead of coming to be worshipped as one of your pagan gods, we have come to turn you from lifeless idols to true God. II. ABUSE 14:19, 20. These Jews who pursued Paul ironically parallels the actions of Saul going to take Christians into custody. This experience were among the most traumatic in Paul’s missionary journeys (2 Tim. 3:11). Paul was left for dead but thankfully his work for the Lord was not done (14:20, 21). Once again attempts to stop spread of Gospel failed III. AFFECTION 14:21-28. After preaching Gospel with great success in Derbe (v. 21), they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia. Strong reason was love for Christ and nurturing new Christians growth. After exhorting Christians to continue in the faith, they appointed elders. Qualified elders is the Divinely ordained government for the church. Having accomplished the work they were set to do, Paul and Barnabas headed home 14:24-27, 28.