Dealing With Rejection

When Rejected, Move On (Ac. 9:26, 30)

Following his conversion, Paul sought to reach out to those like he was before he turned to the Lord (Ac. 9:20; 13:42-44; 17:1-4).

While successful at times, Paul frequently me opposition from those with closed minds and violent hands (Ac. 9:23-25, 29; 13:45, 49-50; 17:5, 13).

Despite being repeatedly rejected, Paul moved on to fertile ground (Ac.9:30; 13:51-52; 17:10, 14). When rejected, move on and don’t give up.

When Rejected, Lean On (Ac. 9:27-28)

Saul returned to Jerusalem three years after his conversion (Gal. 1:17-18). He fled for refuge because people were trying to kill him (Ac. 9:23-25).

Saul had nowhere else to turn; he was at a pivotal point in life. Despite his repeated attempts (lit. kept trying) to be accepted, the church in Jerusalem refused to accept Saul due to fear and disbelief (Ac. 9:26).

Barnabas befriended and defended Saul. When rejected, lean on those who have your best interests in mind (Ac. 9:27-28; cp. 2 Tim. 1:15-18).

When Rejected, Depend On (Ac. 9:19, 25, 30)

In our text, Saul found members of the church he could depend on to help him in his time of need (Ac. 9:19, 25, 27, 30). This was not always the case (2 Tim. 4:9-15).

At a time when Paul needed others to stand by his side, they abandoned him (2 Tim. 4:16). Being left to stand on your own can be devastating (especially at times when you need people the most).

Despite being abandoned, Paul knew he still had Someone by his side (2 Tim. 4:17). When people let you down, do not hold it against them but depend on the Lord to give you strength.