Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel.
Comment: It seems as if there was a sense of doing what you felt the right thing at the time – situations are different. Not that they changed their moral stance but sometimes (like their Master) they endured until death, other times they were prepared to escape and go on their way preaching the good news of the gospel of Jesus. There were people who listened and followed at Iconium but when they were about to be stoned they left, leaving the new believers to face the task and the opposition. Maybe that seems a bit hard on the new believers but they did not leave them alone because the Holy Spirit was there. Maybe some of the new followers backed away , but those who continued would have developed a few spiritual muscles!
Prayer: Thank You, that, even though unseen, You never leave us to bear the brunt alone.
As I read it! 