1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use [them] despitefully, and to stone them,
6 They were ware of [it], and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7 And there they preached the gospel.
8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:
9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14 [Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
19 And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Overview of Acts Chapter 14
Acts Chapter 14 details the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas as they spread the Gospel in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This chapter highlights the challenges they faced, the miracles performed, and the response of the people to their message.
Key Events in Acts 14
- Preaching in Iconium (Verses 1-7)
- Paul and Barnabas arrive in Iconium and speak in the synagogue.
- Their message leads to a division among the people; some believe while others oppose them.
- Despite opposition, they continue to preach boldly, performing signs and wonders.
- Eventually, a plot arises to mistreat and stone them, prompting their departure to Lystra and Derbe.
- Miracle in Lystra (Verses 8-10)
- In Lystra, they encounter a man crippled from birth who is healed by Paul.
- Paul perceives the man’s faith and commands him to stand, resulting in the man’s immediate healing.
- The Response of the Lystrans (Verses 11-18)
- The crowd mistakes Paul and Barnabas for gods, calling them Hermes and Zeus.
- The priests of Zeus attempt to offer sacrifices to them.
- Paul and Barnabas vehemently reject this adoration, emphasizing that they are mere men preaching about the living God.
- They urge the people to turn from their vain practices to the true God.
- Opposition and Perseverance (Verses 19-20)
- Jews from Iconium and Antioch incite the crowd against Paul, leading to his stoning.
- Believed to be dead, Paul is dragged out of the city but later revives and continues his ministry.
- Strengthening the Disciples (Verses 21-23)
- Paul and Barnabas return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to encourage the believers.
- They emphasize the necessity of enduring hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
- They appoint elders in every church and pray with fasting for them.
- Return to Antioch (Verses 24-28)
- They travel back through Pisidia and Pamphylia, preaching the word in Perga.
- Finally, they return to Antioch in Syria, reporting all that God had done through them.
- They stay with the disciples, sharing their experiences and the growth of the church.
Theological Themes
- Divine Empowerment: The chapter illustrates how God empowers His messengers with signs and wonders to validate their message.
- Human Response to the Gospel: The varied reactions of the people—from belief to hostility—demonstrate the diverse responses to the Gospel message.
- Perseverance in Suffering: Paul’s stoning and subsequent revival highlight the theme of enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
- Community and Leadership: The appointment of elders emphasizes the importance of leadership and community in the early church.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 14 serves as a powerful testament to the missionary efforts of Paul and Barnabas. It encapsulates the challenges of spreading the Gospel, the miraculous works of God, and the necessity of perseverance in the face of adversity. The chapter ultimately reflects the growth of the early church and the establishment of leadership, setting the stage for further expansion of the Christian faith.
