OVM KJV

Paul and Barnabas speaking the Gospel of Christ Jesus with authority.

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

These kenites, taking advantage of the people being ignorant of The Truth, sway them to come against Paul and Barnabas.

3 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.

The Holy Spirit used the hands of Paul and Barnabas which gave eyes to those who were blessed to see them happen.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

There is no gray area, there is only good or bad, right or wrong. If there was a gray area, there would be no Truth. The Truth, The Word is always right! Evil will do everything it can in attempts to destroy it, but will ALWAYS fail.

5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

If they can't win the minds, they murder. That's evil for ya! These kenites, unbelievers and the rulers of the synagogues and courts are coming together to stone those who refuse to get in line with them.

6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

Paul and Barnabas left the area before people got hurt. They knew they were causing this because of their teaching The Truth and the works of The Holy Spirit and fearing for the people, they leave.

7 And there they preached the gospel.

Paul and Barnabas left Iconium because of the trouble that was coming on the people that believed in Christ and to calm things down there, they went to Lystra and Derbe, preaching The Word of Truth and of life.

8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

A cripple his [whole life].

9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Faith and healing go hand in hand. Without faith is doubt and where there is doubt there won't be blessings.

10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

FAITH †

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

Seeing what The Holy Spirit had done through Paul, these satan worshipers automatically create another religion. Sound cruel? Continue reading the study, you'll see. People do it everyday today. People see things everyday and create a religion out of it.

12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

Lycaonia worshiped many gods, one being Jupiter and here they believe Barnabas is the god, Jupiter, Paul the god Mercurius.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

One of satans priest hears about their god of Jupiter showing up and he steps into action with one of their traditions. A show is needed for the people. An ox is all dressed up and is walked through the gates for sacrificing.

14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Barnabas and Paul are highly upset at what was of God, becoming twisted for the devil. They run into the crowd.

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

God allowed the heathen to do whatever they chose.

17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

God takes care of everything He has created, even if we can't see those He has created. If we open our minds to Him, we know He is taking care of His creation even though we aren't standing there to see it happening. Our Father is Who takes care of it all, see Job Ch.38

18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

The words of Paul and Barnabas barely restrained the people from going through with the sacrifice of the ox for satan.

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Here came a kenite to stir the crowd up as they had done in Iconium. They want blood, they want to murder Paul. So here they stoned Paul for the good he had done. Thinking he is dead, they drag his limp body out of the city for the vultures. Thing is, by God's Word I believe he was dead for a day and a night. Ref. 2 Corinthians 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;  2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

You can't put a TRUE Christian down. Paul got up and went right back into the city for all to see and there he met up with Barnabas. The next day they left for Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

Continuing to spread The Word of Truth, The Way to life.

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

The Apostles are giving support to the students of God's Word. A babe in The Word is a beginner and needs as much help as possible. As we grow in The Word, we gain strength. It builds us into someone able to handle whatever comes. We ARE CHRISTIANS, able to withstand satans tricks and ready for our Lord's return, 7th trump!

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Praying and fasting with others in each town they went through, Paul and Barnabas, appoint leaders for each church.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

This was where it started for Paul and Barnabas receiving directions from The Holy Spirit to go forth into those city's and towns, spreading The Gospel and building churches.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

The door of faith has been opened to everyone. It's up to each one of us to invite The Lord into our hearts. The Way has been provided †

28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching the disciples.