27th Mar 26 | 16:08
Studies by Book
02 Acts 14 08-20 THE MINISTRY AT LYSTRA 53 Acts 14 19 The sufferings of Paul
📖 Acts 14:08-20
2/53 – Sat, 13 Dec 2025 – *The sufferings of Paul*- _Acts 14:08-20_ – THE MINISTRY AT LYSTRA – _II Corinthians 11:23-28_
_Acts 14:19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, *they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead*._
We read here that the crowds _stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead_. The Scriptures seems to focus on Paul, when this stoning took place.
This matter of persecution and suffering has been experienced by God’s people throughout history, starting from Abel. Yet, Paul seems to be singled out for the suffering that he had to go through for the Gospel. Paul makes a deeply intriguing statement. _Colossians 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and *fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ*, for the sake of His body, which is the church,_
The work of Jesus is a completed work. _Hebrews 10:12-14 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, (13) from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. (14) For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified._
What does Paul mean by his statement – ‘lack in the afflictions of Christ’? There is the ongoing suffering of the church, till the mission of Christ is complete. _II Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (5) For *as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ*._
When the church is persecuted, it is Christ who is persecuted, for we are His body. _Acts 9:4-5 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (5) And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."_
What is “lacking” is the measure of suffering still to be endured by the church as it carries out Christ’s mission in the world.* Paul’s sufferings are a way of “filling up” that quota—sharing in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of the church’s growth and witness.
Our trials and sufferings are not wasted—they are part of Christ’s ongoing work through His body. Suffering for the gospel is a privilege. We are united with Christ not only in His victory but also in His afflictions, until His mission is complete. _Philippians 3:10-11 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and *the fellowship of His sufferings*, being conformed to His death, (11) if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead._
This was what the Lord told Annanias regarding Paul. _Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. (16) For *I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake*."_
Paul’s ministry was marked by extraordinary suffering, including this severe stoning in Lystra. _II Corinthians 11:23-28 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. (24) From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. (25) Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; (26) in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— (28) besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches._
Paul taught the church to be prepared to suffer for the Gospel, for this teaching came from his life. _Philippians 1:29-30 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, *but also to suffer for His sake*, (30) having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me._
This is how Paul encouraged Timothy. _II Timothy 3:10-11 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, (11) persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me._
Paul declares that he bears on his body the sufferings of Christ. _Galatians 6:17 From now on let no one trouble me, *for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus*._
*The Scripture calls us to rejoice in suffering.* _I Peter 4:13-14 but *rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings*, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (14) *If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you*, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified._