“But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.” (Ac 13:51-52 AV)
Luke is referring to Paul’s preaching at Antioch of Pisidia. This is a different Antioch from the one in Syria. The latter is from where Paul and Barnabas were ordained and sent. The Jews in Antioch of Pisidia were extremely antagonistic against the gospel. It was from there many rebellious Jews followed Paul from city to city, battling him as he preached the gospel. While in Antioch of Pisidia, many Gentiles came to Christ. But as a whole, the city completely rejected the gospel. This is why they shook the dust off their feet. What we want to note is the emotional response to the severe rejection which they suffered. It was not frustration. It was not anger. They did not feel abused. They did not feel regret or resentment. The Bible tells us they were filled with joy! How amazing is that? They were thoroughly rejected and fled the city. Yet, they were filled with joy!
Years ago, our college and career group was very active in community outreach. We would hit the neighborhoods. We would do a lot of follow-up. Our pastor was a very energetic soul-winner. He was constantly sharing the gospel with everyone with whom he has contact. One place we went was a Methodist college in the area. We would visit those who came off campus to our church. If they filled out a visitor’s card, they got a visit. That opened doors for us to evangelize the campus. They did have a campus church, of sorts, but the student body was not forbidden to attend other churches. So, that was an invitation to us to invite their student body to church. The student body was not required to attend chapel services or go to church anywhere. So, we did not see a problem with inviting their un-churched student body to church. Then, the dean called us in for a meeting. I went to that meeting. The dead informed us we were no longer welcome on campus. If any invitations to our church were forthcoming, they had to come from a student attending the college. We felt completely rejected. What was our reaction? We chuckled that a Christian college discouraged church attendance. Of all the placed to be kicked out of, a Christian college would not have been at the top of the list. We felt privileged to have suffered a small rebuke and rejection for doing the right thing. Whether we could stay or had to go, we were doing it for the LORD.
Our response to rejection will shed a lot of light on our motive for service. If we react with discouragement, resentment, or regret, our motive for service was wrong. If we react with frustration, then our confidence in the call and plan of God is not solid. If we react with anger, then our motive was self-serving. There are several other examples of the right kind of reaction. Peter and his company felt unworthy to suffer shame for the gospel’s sake. It was the honor of Christ to be rejected and die for mankind. We see others who did not react so well. Jonah resented the revival God sent to the Ninevites. Jeremiah burned out and pouted. Moses lost it and wanted to see the people destroyed. It all depends on our motive and source of strength. Paul and Barnabas had their heart right before they went to Antioch. Paul and Barnabas had prayed and fasted before they preached the gospel. Paul and Barnabas knew success in the ministry did not rely on the acceptance of the gospel in one particular city. The apostles had their heart and head right. That is why they could be filled with joy, even though there were few decisions and many enemies.
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