They remained for a long time.

Acts 14:1-7, Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Even in the face of strong opposition, they continued to speak the truth in love, and for a long time. Only when the threat of force became deadly did they leave the area and go on to preach the gospel in another place, leaving behind many who believed. How much opposition does it take to get us to either be silent or to leave and go to another area? Are we as committed as were Paul and Barnabas to bringing the gospel to others, even in the face of those who stir up others against the truth and the good news of Jesus Christ?

Give us this same kind of boldness, to speak the truth in love in a world where each one does what is right in his own eyes.

ESV Lectionary