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.
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
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.
But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
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,
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
And there they preached the gospel.
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
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.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
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.
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
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:
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
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.
And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
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.
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.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
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.
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.
And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
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.
And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Acts 14 recounts the latter part of Paul's first missionary journey, offering a powerful glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by the early church as it expanded beyond its Jewish roots. This chapter, rich with both dramatic events and profound theological implications, reveals the unwavering commitment of Paul and Barnabas to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of fierce opposition and cultural misunderstandings. The events of Acts 14 set the stage for the crucial discussions about the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith, which would be addressed in Acts 15.
Ministry in Iconium: Division and Boldness (Acts 14:1-7)
Paul and Barnabas continued their ministry in Iconium, following their expulsion from Pisidian Antioch. As was their custom, they went to the Jewish synagogue and spoke with such power that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed Acts 14:1. This success, however, was not without its challenges. Unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers Acts 14:2.
Despite the growing opposition, Paul and Barnabas remained in Iconium for a considerable time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders Acts 14:3. God's supernatural authority validated the truth of their message, demonstrating His power and presence among them. The city became divided, with some siding with the Jews and others with the apostles Acts 14:4.
When the apostles learned of a plot to mistreat and stone them, they wisely chose to flee to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding region, where they continued to preach the Gospel Acts 14:5-7. Knowing when to stand firm in the face of persecution and when to withdraw requires discernment and a sensitivity to the Spirit's leading. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; rather, we must seek God's wisdom in each situation.
Lystra: From Idolatry to Stoning (Acts 14:8-20)
In Lystra, Paul encountered a man who was lame from birth. Observing that the man had faith to be healed, Paul called out in a loud voice, "Stand up on your feet!" Acts 14:9-10. The man leaped up and began to walk, a powerful demonstration of God's healing power through Paul. Believing that God is able to do amazing works is one thing, but believing that He is willing to do them in and through you is another. As you follow Jesus, believe that with God all things are possible, even in your own life.
The crowd, witnessing this miracle, was immediately swept up in a wave of pagan superstition. They exclaimed that the gods had come down to them in human form! Acts 14:11. They identified Barnabas as Zeus, the chief god, and Paul as Hermes, the messenger god, because he was the main speaker Acts 14:12. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, even brought oxen and wreaths to offer sacrifices to them Acts 14:13.
Paul and Barnabas were horrified by this idolatrous reaction. Tearing their clothes, they rushed into the crowd, shouting, "Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them." Acts 14:14-15. Unlike Herod, who embraced being treated like a god (Acts 12:20-23), Paul and Barnabas deflected the glory to God. They testified to the living God who created all things. As David explains in Psalm 19:1, God testifies to his own existence through the world he made: “The heavens declare the glory of God.” He did not leave himself without a witness Acts 14:17. Even with this strong rebuke, they barely managed to dissuade the crowd from offering sacrifices to them Acts 14:18.
The fickleness of human nature was soon on display. Jewish leaders arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowd against Paul. They stoned him and dragged him outside the city, presuming him to be dead Acts 14:19. Human devotion, when not anchored in truth, can quickly turn to animosity. Though Paul was presumed dead, he got up, moved on to the next town (Derbe), and preached the gospel again Acts 14:19-20. There was no stopping him. Paul had been a vile persecutor of the church, but when the Lord shook him to his senses and poured out his mercy on him, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t endure for the sake of the gospel.
Return and Encouragement (Acts 14:21-28)
After making many disciples in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps, returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith Acts 14:21-22. They emphasized that "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" Acts 14:22, reminding them that following Jesus is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Walking as a kingdom disciple of Jesus is challenging because it is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. Although not all believers will experience the same kinds of problems or the same level of persecution, “all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
In each church, they appointed elders Acts 14:23, recognizing the importance of leadership and guidance for the growing Christian communities. Jesus’s church polity calls for a plurality of elders (governing body of male spiritual leaders; see 1 Timothy 3:1) in each local church. They prayed, fasted, and committed these new believers to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust Acts 14:23.
Finally, they returned to Antioch in Syria, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed Acts 14:26. There, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles Acts 14:27. Paul had completed his first missionary journey proclaiming this truth; it wouldn’t be his last. Just as God had promised, he was bringing his blessing to all peoples of the earth through the offspring of Abraham, Jesus Christ (see Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16). And they stayed there a long time with the disciples Acts 14:28.
The journey recorded in Acts 14 highlights the expansion of the Gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community. It also underscores the reality of persecution and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity. The events in this chapter laid the groundwork for the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, where the church grappled with the theological implications of Gentile conversion and the nature of salvation.
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.
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
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.
But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
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,
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
And there they preached the gospel.
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
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.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
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.
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
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:
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
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.
And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
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.
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.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
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.
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.
And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
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.
And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Acts 14 recounts the latter part of Paul's first missionary journey, offering a powerful glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by the early church as it expanded beyond its Jewish roots. This chapter, rich with both dramatic events and profound theological implications, reveals the unwavering commitment of Paul and Barnabas to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of fierce opposition and cultural misunderstandings. The events of Acts 14 set the stage for the crucial discussions about the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith, which would be addressed in Acts 15.
Ministry in Iconium: Division and Boldness (Acts 14:1-7)
Paul and Barnabas continued their ministry in Iconium, following their expulsion from Pisidian Antioch. As was their custom, they went to the Jewish synagogue and spoke with such power that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed Acts 14:1. This success, however, was not without its challenges. Unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers Acts 14:2.
Despite the growing opposition, Paul and Barnabas remained in Iconium for a considerable time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders Acts 14:3. God's supernatural authority validated the truth of their message, demonstrating His power and presence among them. The city became divided, with some siding with the Jews and others with the apostles Acts 14:4.
When the apostles learned of a plot to mistreat and stone them, they wisely chose to flee to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding region, where they continued to preach the Gospel Acts 14:5-7. Knowing when to stand firm in the face of persecution and when to withdraw requires discernment and a sensitivity to the Spirit's leading. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; rather, we must seek God's wisdom in each situation.
Lystra: From Idolatry to Stoning (Acts 14:8-20)
In Lystra, Paul encountered a man who was lame from birth. Observing that the man had faith to be healed, Paul called out in a loud voice, "Stand up on your feet!" Acts 14:9-10. The man leaped up and began to walk, a powerful demonstration of God's healing power through Paul. Believing that God is able to do amazing works is one thing, but believing that He is willing to do them in and through you is another. As you follow Jesus, believe that with God all things are possible, even in your own life.
The crowd, witnessing this miracle, was immediately swept up in a wave of pagan superstition. They exclaimed that the gods had come down to them in human form! Acts 14:11. They identified Barnabas as Zeus, the chief god, and Paul as Hermes, the messenger god, because he was the main speaker Acts 14:12. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, even brought oxen and wreaths to offer sacrifices to them Acts 14:13.
Paul and Barnabas were horrified by this idolatrous reaction. Tearing their clothes, they rushed into the crowd, shouting, "Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them." Acts 14:14-15. Unlike Herod, who embraced being treated like a god (Acts 12:20-23), Paul and Barnabas deflected the glory to God. They testified to the living God who created all things. As David explains in Psalm 19:1, God testifies to his own existence through the world he made: “The heavens declare the glory of God.” He did not leave himself without a witness Acts 14:17. Even with this strong rebuke, they barely managed to dissuade the crowd from offering sacrifices to them Acts 14:18.
The fickleness of human nature was soon on display. Jewish leaders arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowd against Paul. They stoned him and dragged him outside the city, presuming him to be dead Acts 14:19. Human devotion, when not anchored in truth, can quickly turn to animosity. Though Paul was presumed dead, he got up, moved on to the next town (Derbe), and preached the gospel again Acts 14:19-20. There was no stopping him. Paul had been a vile persecutor of the church, but when the Lord shook him to his senses and poured out his mercy on him, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t endure for the sake of the gospel.
Return and Encouragement (Acts 14:21-28)
After making many disciples in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps, returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith Acts 14:21-22. They emphasized that "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" Acts 14:22, reminding them that following Jesus is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Walking as a kingdom disciple of Jesus is challenging because it is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. Although not all believers will experience the same kinds of problems or the same level of persecution, “all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
In each church, they appointed elders Acts 14:23, recognizing the importance of leadership and guidance for the growing Christian communities. Jesus’s church polity calls for a plurality of elders (governing body of male spiritual leaders; see 1 Timothy 3:1) in each local church. They prayed, fasted, and committed these new believers to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust Acts 14:23.
Finally, they returned to Antioch in Syria, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed Acts 14:26. There, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles Acts 14:27. Paul had completed his first missionary journey proclaiming this truth; it wouldn’t be his last. Just as God had promised, he was bringing his blessing to all peoples of the earth through the offspring of Abraham, Jesus Christ (see Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16). And they stayed there a long time with the disciples Acts 14:28.
The journey recorded in Acts 14 highlights the expansion of the Gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community. It also underscores the reality of persecution and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity. The events in this chapter laid the groundwork for the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, where the church grappled with the theological implications of Gentile conversion and the nature of salvation.