Scripture
The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them. Some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. Acts 14:1-4

Observation
There is something about leaving home, going on a missions trip and speaking to non-believers that makes preaching come alive. Unplugged from our native environment we are forced to depend on the Lord more. Unaware of what is going on in the minds of hearers we become more attuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Paul and Barnabas found that missionary journeys are where God shows up in power.

Iconium was one of their early overseas experiences. There Paul preached with “such power that a great number…became believers” and “the Lord proved their message was true by giving the power to do miraculous signs and wonders.” Powerful preaching was not measured by Paul’s story telling skills, the timbre of his voice or the skill of oratory. We’re just told that many believed. Perhaps what we call “powerful preaching” really isn’t. Maybe instead the technique of “great preaching” is a cover up of what is not happening in the hearts of hearers. Power should be measured by the change in people.

Even with all of this evidence of God’s power, not everyone marched to Paul’s tune. There was another proof of powerful ministry: some people chose not to believe. So rejection too is evidence of God’s work in a preacher. When John Wesley quizzed his preachers, he would ask them first if anyone had been saved under their ministry. If they said no, then Wesley would ask, “Did you make anyone mad?”

Application
The worst critic of any sermon is the preacher who gave it. The drive home from church can be brutal. Paul’s experience helps us pastors to get the criteria correction for measuring success. Is there evidence of life change in the hearts of the people? Are there signs of answers to prayer bringing health to the people? Are there some who are rejecting the message? Are there some undermining what you are saying? (That’s evidence that there is something powerful to push away from.) These are the critique questions of good preaching.

Prayer
Father, today I ask that when I speak you would speak through me. Amen.