Supposing that he was dead.

Acts 14:19-23, But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

How many of us would begin to question whether we were on the right track, being stoned and left for dead after talking about Jesus? It doesn’t seem to slow Paul down at all, for he continues boldly right back to Antioch thinking only of strengthening the believers. Perhaps he has a better view of the sovereignty of God in these matters, and is willing to rely upon God’s providence? Later he would say “To live is Christ and to die is gain!” Are we willing to ask for this same boldness?

Lord, give us this same boldness, to live for You knowing that to die is gain for all eternity!

ESV Lectionary