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Acts 14:1-3

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

We have not discussed this region of Iconium before; but in Turkish it means coming. Does not this name seem very similar to our word icon today. The word icon speaks of a famous person or figure whether cultural or historical. So, instead of doing my will, your will, or the apostles their own will, consider doing the will of God. Trust me, it will be the best decision you have ever made. For does not the volume of the book in Hebrews 10:9 contain the words, "I come to do thy will, O God." Some think that the Scripture is all cute and very logical. How about you shut your own roadmap up for the way you think things should go. God is driving this thing here, whatever we may be traveling in. See, the apostles could have been simply snatched up by the Spirit. So, I will not hazard a guess as to their method of travel; but when you are walking with Jesus it matters not how you arrive. For behold to this place have such as the apostles arrived to do God's will. This place has a strange atmosphere about it, almost like that of their sister region of Corinth across the sea.

Speaking of other houses, 1 Corinthians 1 tells the story of Paul the apostle sending greetings to Sosthenes, the brother of the local church. From the first there were no divisions among the saints with all being "perfectly joined together" in unity. See, these also are among the first fruits of the household of faith: Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanus. These Paul baptized and after him came many ministers, among which were Apollos, Cephas, then Christ. So, we see the early church together both Jews in Greeks joined in wisdom, wonders, and the work of God. For is it not Christ who unifies. Such may seem odd to some of you at first. But look what comes soon after.

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Of all the areas, the region of Lycaonia was formed from a mixing of the Jews and Greeks. In it is composed of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Sure, times change, and old places just might not be the same anymore. Yet this is important to see from which region they are really. For of such, will God call them. As we will see later, there are some clues as to the location found in the region of 1 Corinthians. Now these will not be discussed just yet. But this is the next place visited by the apostles. It should be seen that the presence of the Lord brings unity. They went in this place together, not divided. So also did many of the people believe on Jesus together both Jews and Greeks. See, Satan surely loves to bring division with him. Sometimes when you come to an area to preach or live for Jesus, dividing spirits creep in with you. It may seem strange to you that unbelief comes with the dividing spirit. But is not this just how the devil does.

Paul continues to remind the church of 1 Corinthians 2 that he came in weakness, fear, and much trembling. Nor did he use eloquence speech or great wisdom in his testimony. Rather, he demonstrated the power of God with preaching unto them. See, faith always comes by hearing and that by his Word. Instead, he spoke of the hidden wisdom of the ages. Had men known it, they would not have crucified the Prince of glory. See, the signs and wonders matter little before him; albeit they might be nice things to have. Their faith stood in the power of God. When the Spirit came unto them, he sought out all things. So intimately does God know his people. This also is how Paul knew of the church's condition even in his absence. Oh yes, babes in Christ are right. This is how Paul preached him, so simply that even a baby would understand. Does it not sound strange to entrust the preaching of the gospel to a spiritual toddler. Yet he is preaching unto a church full of babes in the faith. So little church, begin to walk and crawl. But first you must put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. Is it not nice to know that in all things, God has you covered.

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

There should be something seen here. Look, there are signs and wonders granted unto Paul and Barnabas. Now I know that Revelation might not yet have been written nor given. But are there not also power given unto the beast and the false prophet of Revelation 13:5-7. Now I know that power for the signs and wonders done here came from God. It matters not if an angel shows up and gives the apostles all his powers. You know well what happens to the rogue angels of Scripture anyway. They are left for the Lord to deal with. Are not these same as Satan whom God must rebuke and cast out of Heaven in Jude 1:9. Their final abode will be the house of the damned. But see when God's word came with power and authority, it had also appointed them to testify of him in a strange land. There is no need for a slave or servant to speak to the goodness of God as before; remember, that was a witness to those bound in servitude of other times. Here, this region is held under the control of the Greeks which practiced witchcraft and idolatry. Themselves being blinded, the Jews would not know the work and Word of God from the devils. This is why in a city made up of believers, Jews, and Greeks, we end up with only two camps.