17 But he has always given evidence of his existence by the good things he does: he gives you rain from heaven and crops at the right times; he gives you food and fills your hearts with happiness.”
18 Even with these words the apostles could hardly keep the crowd from offering a sacrifice to them.
19 Some Jews came from Antioch in Pisidia and from Iconium; they won the crowd over to their side, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, thinking that he was dead.
20 But when the believers gathered round him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he and Barnabas went to Derbe.
21 Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News in Derbe and won many disciples. Then they went back to Lystra, to Iconium, and on to Antioch in Pisidia.
22 They strengthened the believers and encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “We must pass through many troubles to enter the Kingdom of God,” they taught.
23 In each church they appointed elders, and with prayers and fasting they commended them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.