V.1 Many Jews and Gentiles believed. (1) Much power, many believers. (2) Many believers, much opposition. (3) Much time, much growth. (4) Much Satanic, work much division (Matt. 10:34-39). (5) Much stirring up, much violence. (6) They departed when they saw the refusal to accept the truth. But this only caused the Word of God to be preached in other places. Lystra seems to have been the birthplace of Timothy (16:1). Derbe was the home of Gaius (20:4).
V.8-18 Paul had the power of the Holy Spirit to discern what was in the poor cripple’s soul, that he had faith to be healed. What a wonderful result to the man.
V.11-18 But there was no discernment in the unbelievers. They claimed that the gods had visited them in the likeness of men. The crowd is caught up in the wild excitement. But with no heart for Christ.
V.19 The crowd sides with the unbelieving Jews who stone Paul to death — as they supposed.
V.20-25 No difficulties can stand when God is there; and we cannot stand before our enemies when He is not there.
V.26-28 The journey which had begun with prayer (13:3), ends with praise.