p. 166 | The Stoning of Paul

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 13, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 11.

The Stoning of Paul.

THE idol-worshippers of Lystra, not receiving the word of truth sent unto them, and being greatly disappointed on learning that the apostles were not the gods which they had supposed them to be, were in a proper frame of mind to be incited to any extreme action. When, therefore, the Jews from Antioch and Iconium had given out false impressions of the disciples, the people were only too ready to rush upon them with deadly intent. And thus it ever has been,—those who refuse to obey the truth are easily led to believe a lie; and such a condition is specially pointed out by this same apostle as pertaining to the last days. 2 Thess. 2:11. Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city as dead. But as the disciples mourned around him, he rose up, praising God, and entered with them into the city again. This occurrence was no doubt of great value to the new converts of Lystra, in confirming their faith. Here it was demonstrated to them that those who followed Jesus not only had the power of God accompanying them, but that part of their calling was to suffer for his name who had died for them. The young man Timothy learned a lesson here that did much toward preparing him for the important station which he filled in after years. Not a drop of Christian blood was ever spilled in persecution that did not in some way yield fruit to the glory of God.