Some Believed
by Hugh DeLong
“In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region" (Acts 14:1-6).
The Commission was Go – Preach. But the commission in Mark 16 shows two reactions to such preaching – Believe and be Baptized, or not believe. Here, the gospel is presented in a way that caused some to believe. That style of preaching is outlined in Acts 17:2-3: “And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.'”
Along with this, the promise to the apostles was that God would confirm their message with signs and wonders – and here He does just that! Yet, some believed, and some didn't.
Those who didn’t believe didn’t just let it go, but rather actively pursued the course of violence against the preachers. What I observe is that, in my efforts to share the good news, I will have some success. While the message has already been confirmed and needs no further such acts from God, I must ensure that my teaching is in accord with the revealed and confirmed message. Then there will be opposition and rejection.
Then comes the difficult part for us: how do we respond? Do we return evil for evil? Do we turn to violence to stop the opponent? First, these preachers didn’t just quit after one hearing! They continued amidst the opposition for a long time! Second, they stayed faithful to the example of Jesus, who was also rejected and persecuted! (cp. I Peter 2:21-23). Our conduct does not depend on how others act. This is always a difficult part of following Jesus. Faithfully preaching the word demands that we ourselves are following its teaching.
