14:4
The gospel brought division. Jesus warned that this would be the case (Matt 10:34), and we are hopelessly naive if we think the gospel is all about bringing peace. The gospel is ultimately about our relationship with God, whether we continue our rebellion against Him or whether we will repent and turn to Him. Such a message brings division. So the preaching of the apostles brought division. Note that the plural is used here. Barnabas, at least, is included as an apostle, and we need to recognise that apostle has a twofold use in the Bible. There are the original twelve (less Judas, plus Paul) and then there is a wider application of the term. We should also note that Paul and Barnabas were doing miracles as well as preaching, and this did not stop the division!
14:5-7
The division did not result in merely in a polite disagreement, nor an offering of an alternative point of view! The opponents of the gospel plotted to mistreat and stone Paul and his co-workers. However, the plot came to light and they fled to Lystra and Derbe. Note that in v3 it says they “spent considerable time there”, now they are fleeing. There is a time to stay and a time to go. However, though they fled to other places, they continued to preach the gospel wherever they went.
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