Paul was stoned for boldly preaching the gospel, and he got back up because God preserved his life to continue the mission. The stoning was intended to kill him, but the Lord’s hand was upon him, allowing him to rise and carry on with the work he had been appointed to do.
“Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.”
(Acts 14:19)
This occurred in Lystra during Paul’s first missionary journey. His preaching had stirred both belief and resistance. The crowd, incited by hostile Jews, turned violent. Stoning was a brutal form of execution. They left Paul’s body outside the city, assuming he was dead.
“However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city.”
(Acts 14:20)
The text does not say Paul was resurrected. It simply says he rose. Whether he was unconscious, near death, or miraculously restored, the emphasis is on his endurance and God’s power to sustain him. Paul’s resilience was not natural. It was spiritual strength given by the Lord.
He later reflected on this suffering:
“In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often… once I was stoned.”
(2 Corinthians 11:23–25)
Paul viewed his trials as part of his calling. He did not seek to avoid suffering. He embraced it for the sake of the gospel:
“We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
(Acts 14:22)
Paul’s survival and immediate return to preaching testify to God’s protection and to Paul’s unwavering commitment. He was not seeking comfort or popularity. He was faithful to the message of Christ regardless of the cost.
