In this passage we see Paul and Barnabas continue to various cities and towns in the region of Lycia and Galatia, sharing the Gospel as they go. The response varies but, often, there is a polarizing effect: there are believers and there is opposition (usually instigated by the Jews).

After going as far as Derbe, they backtrack, encouraging the believers and helping develop and appoint leaders for the young churches.

Thought questions for the week:

• Are you using God-given wisdom to navigate your way in relation to the people and situations that you encounter? When do you linger and when do you move on? When do you fight opposition and when do you spend your energy better somewhere else?
• Is the Gospel you live and speak polarizing in the way it was with Paul and Barnabas?

Background information for the lesson is here.

Map: Wright, T. (2008). Acts for Everyone, Part 2: Chapters 13-28 (p. 25). London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.