A Resurrection Miracle Outside Lystra
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | August 17, 2025
Open your Bibles to Acts 14:19-28. And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your presence and blessings. We pray for the sick, those recovering, and our guests. Help the unsaved know they’re going to heaven. Strengthen believers through this miracle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On August 17, 2025, Senior Pastor Bill Rains continues his “Miracles in Acts” series at Mission Baptist Church, preaching from Acts 14:19-28. Following the previous week’s sermon on the lame man’s healing in Lystra, Paul faces persecution as Jews from Antioch and Iconium incite the crowd to stone him, dragging him out of the city, presuming him dead. Miraculously, as disciples surround him, Paul rises and returns to preach. He and Barnabas strengthen churches in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ordaining elders and exhorting believers to endure tribulation (we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God). Pastor Rains shares his own near-death experience during heart surgery, hearing God’s voice assuring his return to ministry. He highlights three lessons: the fickleness of crowds, the loyalty of faithful servants, and the need to strengthen Christians, urging all to trust Christ for salvation and perseverance.
The Stoning of Paul
The stoning of Paul reveals human fickleness. The Lystra crowd, who once hailed Paul as a god for healing a lame man, turns hostile when persuaded by Jews from Antioch and Iconium (Acts 14:19, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city). Pastor Rains compares this to the crowd shouting “Hosanna” for Jesus, only to cry “Crucify him” days later. He warns against fickle faith, citing Galatians who abandoned grace for works (Galatians 1:6, I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ). Pastor Rains shares how some praised him as a preacher, only to turn against him when influenced by detractors. He urges believers to beware of false prophets who sow doubt (Matthew 7:15, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing), defending their faith and pastor boldly.
Servants with the Apostle
Faithful disciples stood by Paul during his stoning, unlike the fickle crowd. As they surrounded his body, likely praying for a miracle, Paul rose—possibly from death—recalling his vision of paradise (2 Corinthians 12:2-4, I knew a man in Christ… caught up to the third heaven). Pastor Rains likens this to devout men burying Stephen (Acts 8:2, And devout men carried Stephen to his burial), noting these servants didn’t join the stoning but grieved and prayed. He shares his heart surgery experience, seeing a vision of Hebrew words and hearing God say, “You are going back to work,” affirming his survival. These faithful servants, praying amidst tragedy, witnessed a miracle, encouraging believers to stand firm with their leaders through trials.
Strengthening of Christians
Paul and Barnabas returned to strengthen disciples, exhorting them to continue in faith despite tribulation (Acts 14:22, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God). Pastor Rains emphasizes Jesus’ promise of peace amidst trials (John 16:33, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world). He encourages believers to grow strong through church involvement, Sunday school, and spiritual activities, citing Jude 1:3, earnestly contend for the faith. Pastor Rains warns against quitting, urging steadfastness so believers can help others. He calls the unsaved to trust Christ, promising Jesus’ presence through life’s tribulations and at death’s door.
