Canceled

Steven’s Scribbles
“Canceled”
Acts 14


“Cancel culture” is real. Today, it’s not uncommon for Christians to face consequences—such as losing their jobs or access to certain services—if they refuse to conform to societal expectations or speak against popular social dogmas. One of the most controversial issues currently involves refusing to use “preferred pronouns.” Some Christians have experienced job loss, the revocation of banking privileges, and other forms of social and economic exclusion for standing by their beliefs. However, being “canceled” is not a modern phenomenon, and the challenges we face today pale in comparison to what early Christians endured.


In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas faced a form of cancel culture. In Iconium, they preached in the synagogue and converted Jews and Greeks. But those who disbelieved “stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren” (Acts 14:2). That’s perhaps one of the most straightforward examples of being canceled in Scripture. 


What was Paul and Barnabas’s response? “They spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord…” (Acts 14:3). Their boldness in the face of opposition is remarkable. Unlike the consequences we face today, theirs were life-threatening. We read that “an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews… to mistreat and to stone them” (Acts 14:5). Stoning was a method of capital punishment, yet Paul and Barnabas continued to preach the gospel. When the threat became imminent, they moved on to another region, but their mission never wavered: “They continued to preach the gospel” (Acts 14:7).


Brethren, speak the truth boldly, relying on the Lord. You may face rejection or opposition, but remember, as Paul and Barnabas demonstrated, when one door closes, another opens. There are always more people to teach and serve. Stand firm in your faith and trust that God will guide your path.


I love you all!


In His Service,
Steven Hugley