Responding To Words That Wound

Then some Jews … won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.
Acts 14:19

There is plenty in the gospel for people to find upsetting. The fact of sin. The ugly specter of the cross. The need for repentance.

So it shouldn’t surprise you when your witness produces a “rocky” response.

John Chrysostom, a fourth-century preacher, offers this timeless insight on how to respond to sticks, stones and words.

WALK WITH JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
“Paul’s enemies wounded him with stones; there is a wounding with words even worse than stones.

“What then must we do? The same thing Paul did. He did not hate those who cast stones at him; but after they had dragged him out, he entered again into their city to be a benefactor to those who had done him such wrongs.

“If you also endure anyone who harshly insults you and has done you wrong, then you also have been stoned.

“And what had Paul done that he deserved to be stoned? He was bringing men and women away from error, and bringing them to God—benefits worthy of crowns, not of stones.

“Has one insulted you? Hold your peace, and bless if you can.

“Then you also will have preached the Word, and given a lesson of gentleness and meekness.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Consider what Paul endured: “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea” (2 Corinthians

11:24-25).

Paul’s example is an encouragement to all who face the sting of stones—or rebukes—in their witness for Christ. When others respond by striking back, rejoice that at least a seed has been planted. And leave it to God that someday a crown will follow!