Acts 14:3

Acts 14:3 - So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace, by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.

During this time Paul and Barnabas were traveling around the area preaching the gospel. They were bringing the message to both the Jews and the Gentiles. In each city they went to they would stay for awhile preaching, teaching and encouraging the believers. Then they would move on to the next city. This particular verse speaks of a time when they were in Iconium. They had preached in the Jewish synagogue and brought a great number of people to Christ, but there were some who opposed the message of Jesus. These people refused to believe and tried to turn others against Paul and Barnabas by stirring them up and poisoning their minds.

For this reason Paul and Barnabas had to stay awhile; to make sure the believers had a foundation that could not be corrupted. This verse stood out to me because of how its laid out. First you see Paul and Barnabas. They have decided to stay longer in Iconium. Next it tells us that they are speaking boldly for the Lord, but that’s not all. We see that they are not alone, because it goes on to tell us that the Lord confirmed the message they brought by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.

In this particular situation it did not start with miracles, it started with boldly proclaiming the Word of the Lord. After that God performed miracles through them. This is often how it works. Miracles confirm the Word that has already been spoken. We need to stop waiting for miracles and just start speaking what we know. And do it boldly. God is always with you and He will confirm the Words you are speaking in whatever way is needed. Boldly speak out and trust that God will do the rest.