Acts 13:44-14:7

Be still: Take 5 minutes to sit in silence and breathe slowly. 

Read: Acts 13:44-14:7 

So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. (v51) 

Encounter: This strong reaction is off the back of persecution being stirred up against Paul and Barnabas. The bit I feel confused by in this verse is the fact that they shook the dust off their feet 'as a warning'. How is that a warning? Also, a warning for what? What comes to mind for me is an image of defiance. Like Paul and Barnabas were saying to those who were hostile to them: this isn’t going to stop us and even though you mean to cause us harm, we will not harm you back, we’ll simply shake the dust and move on. 

Apply: Following Jesus involves brushing up against opposition, whether it’s from the enemy or other people. There are times to have it out, times to grieve hurt and then times to definitely shake off the dust, knowing that God is with us and that he’ll fill us afresh with his Spirit and joy. Just as he does for Peter and Barnabas in verse 52. 

Devote: Jesus, where I’m feeling discouraged or disappointed, or where do I need to 'shake off the dust'? I trust that you’ll fill me afresh with your Spirit and your joy. I trust you, we’ll go again!