Acts 14:8–20: The Darkness Cannot Overcome It
Introduction
As we continue our study through the Book of Acts, some of the stories of the missionary works of Paul and his companions may seem to run together. In this specific story in Acts 14:8–20, the story of healing a lame man may also blur together in our memories with other healing stories of Peter (Acts 3) and Jesus himself throughout the Gospels. Yet, each story has a specific purpose beyond simply illustrating, once again, that the gospel continued to go out in those early days of the church. Beyond that, this story captures dramatically how the Jewish Messiah had become the Savior of Gentile peoples, to the ends of the earth. Especially, Luke shows us here that Gentile darkness cannot overcome the light of the Messiah.
Discussion Questions
1. What is the setting for this healing story? How is this story of the healing of a man who cannot walk similar to the story from Acts 3? How are the two stories different? What role does faith play in healing this man (v. 9)? What was Paul “speaking” about when this man was listening (v. 9; see Acts 14:7)? What is the significance of the word translated here as “sprang up” (v. 10)? What Old Testament prophecy does this evoke?
2. How did the people of Lystra respond to this miracle (v. 11)? Why were Paul and Barnabas delayed in understanding the intentions of the people of Lystra (v. 11)? How does this temple compare to the temple nearby the place where the other lame man was healed in Acts 3? How do Paul and Barnabas respond when they realize what the people want to do (v. 14)? What do they say to persuade them against worshiping them (vv. 15–17)?
3. Why do you think that the Jews from Antioch and Iconium would have come to Lystra (v. 19)? What had been their reactions to Paul and Barnabas in those cities (Acts 13:45–50; 14:5)? How do you think the people of Lystra could have turned so dramatically from wanting to worship Paul and Barnabas to trying to kill Paul (v. 19)? What should we make of Paul’s rising up and going back into the city (v. 20)?
4. What have you learned about evangelism from the examples of the apostles so far in the Book of Acts? Where do they go in their attempts to reach the lost with the gospel of Christ? What fruit do they see from people coming to faith? What kind of opposition do they face from those who hate Christ and his gospel? In what way should these stories inform us about God’s vision for evangelism in his church today?
