The gospel spreads despite opposition44It seemed that the whole city had come together on the following Sabbath to hear the Word of the Lord.45But when the Jewish leaders saw the crowds had gathered around Paul and Barnabas they were filled with jealousy and spoke aggressively against Paul's teaching.46-47Then Paul and Barnabas answered their allegations boldly: "We had to speak God's Word to you first. As you choose to reject it then, clearly, you do not consider yourselves worthy of receiving eternal life. So now we will turn to the other nations, for the Lord has commanded through the prophet Isaiah: 'I have made you a light to the Gentile nations, that you might take the message of salvation to every part of the earth.'"48When the Gentiles present heard this, they were really pleased and decided to obey the Word of the Lord. And all those chosen by God for eternal life believed!49So the gospel then spread throughout the whole region.50However, the Jewish leaders initiated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas by stirring up women of influence who were faithful to their religion, and also the leading men in the city. They expelled Paul and Barnabas from that region.51So they shook the dust of that place from their feet as a sign against their rejection of the truth and then travelled to Iconium.52Yet all who became disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)