Acts Chapter 14

New Testament Historical 28 Verses

What is Acts 14 about?

The Spirit-empowered expansion of the church from Jerusalem to Rome under the apostles Peter and Paul. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
2But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.
3Long time therefore they tarried [there] speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
5And when there was made an onset both of the Gentiles and of the Jews with their rulers, to treat them shamefully and to stone them,
6they became aware of it, and fled unto the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region round about:
7and there they preached the gospel.
8And at Lystra there sat a certain man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother`s womb, who never had walked.
9The same heard Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,
10said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked.
11And when the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.
13And the priest of Jupiter whose [temple] was before the city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the multitudes.
14But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out
15and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:
16who in the generations gone by suffered all the nations to walk in their own ways.
17And yet He left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.
18And with these sayings scarce restrained they the multitudes from doing sacrifice unto them.
19But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
20But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and entered into the city: and on the morrow he went forth with Barnabas to Derbe.
21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,
22confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
23And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
24And they passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.
25And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia;
26and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.
27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28And they tarried no little time with the disciples.

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“And it came to pass in Iconium, etc.] When the apostles were got thither, and as soon as they were there; at least the first opportunity they had: that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews; which was in Iconium; hither Paul and Barnabas went together, in like manner as they had done at Antioch: and so spoke; such words, and doctrines of grace, with so much power, authority, and demonstration of the Spirit, with so much plainness, clearness, and evidence, as well as with so much boldness and courage: that a great multitude, both of the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed: the doctrines they…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“MEETING WITH SIMILAR SUCCESS AND SIMILAR OPPOSITION AT ICONIUM, PAUL AND BARNABAS FLEE FOR THEIR LIVES TO LYSTRA AND DERBE, AND PREACH THERE. (Act 14:1-7) they went both together into the synagogue--Though Paul was now the prominent speaker and actor, yet in everything Barnabas went along with him. a . . . multitude . . . of the Greeks believed--meaning probably the religious proselytes, as opposed to "the Gentiles" mentioned Act 14:2.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“In Iconium - See the notes on Acts 13:51. In this place, and in Antioch and Lystra, Timothy became acquainted with Paul and his manner of life, 2 Timothy 3:10-11. So spake - Spake with such power - their preaching was attended so much with the influence of the Spirit. And also of the Greeks - Probably proselytes from the Greeks, who were in the habit of attending the synagogue. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“They so spake - Persecution having increased their strength. Acts 14:9”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“14:1 The missionaries moved on to the next town, Iconium (now called Konya), located east of Pisidian Antioch on a high plateau in south central Asia Minor. Iconium enjoyed a favorable location on several key trade routes. • In their usual fashion, Paul and Barnabas began their ministry in the area by speaking powerfully in the Jewish synagogue, which led to a great response from both Jews and Greeks.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“in: Act 13:51 went: Act 9:20, Act 13:46, Act 17:1, Act 17:2, Act 17:17, Act 18:4, Act 19:8 that a: Act 14:21, Act 11:21, Act 13:43, Act 13:46, Act 17:4, Act 18:8 Greeks: Act 14:2, Act 16:1, Act 17:12, Act 18:4, Act 19:10, Act 19:17, Act 20:21, Act 21:28; Mar 7:26; Joh 7:35 \*marg. Joh 12:20; Rom 1:16, Rom 10:12; Co1 1:22-24; Gal 2:3, Gal 3:28; Col 3:11 Acts 14:2”
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