Acts 14:3

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 14:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Long 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Long 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.
Acts 14:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Long time therefore abode they, etc.] At Iconium, undaunted and not discouraged, at the treatment they met with: but continued, speaking boldly in the Lord; using great freedom of speech, and showing great courage and intrepidity of mind; speaking out, without fear, the doctrines of the Gospel, in the name of the Lord, and depending upon strength, assistance, and support, from him: which gave testimony unto the word of his grace; the Gospel, so called, because it is a publication of the grace and favour of God to the sons of men; in the choice of some of them to everlasting life, in the mission of his Son to redeem them, in the justification of them by his righteousness, and in the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Long time therefore abode they--because in spite of opposition they were meeting with so much success. speaking boldly in the Lord--rather, "in dependence on the Lord," that is, on their glorified Head. who gave testimony to the word of his grace--a notable definition of the Gospel, whose whole burden is GRACE. and granted--"granting," that is, who confirmed the Gospel by granting miraculous attestation to it. (The "and" is wanting in the best manuscripts).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Long time therefore - It seems probable that there were here no forcible or public measures to expel them, as there had been at Antioch Acts 13:50, and they therefore regarded it as their duty to remain. God granted them here also great success, which was the main reason for their continuing a long time. Persecution and opposition may be attended often with signal success to the gospel. Spake boldly in the Lord - In the cause of the Lord Jesus, or in his name and by his authority. Perhaps, also, the expression includes the idea of their trusting in the Lord. Which gave testimony - Bore witness to the truth of their message by working miracles, etc. Compare Mark 16:20. This was evidently the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:3 The Spirit-inspired apostles were resilient to withstand the verbal attack against them, and they persisted in preaching the Good News that God’s grace was available to Gentiles as well as to Jews. • boldly: Spirit-inspired boldness is evident throughout Acts (see 2:14; 4:9-10, 13; 7:2-53; 8:30-35; 9:27-28; 18:26; 19:8; 22:3-21; 23:1-6; 28:16-20, 23-31). • In addition, the Holy Spirit confirmed the Christian message with miraculous signs and wonders (cp. 5:12-16; 15:12; 16:18; 19:11).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“therefore: Act 18:9-11, Act 19:10; Co1 16:8, Co1 16:9 speaking: Act 13:46; Eph 6:18-20; Th1 2:2 which: Act 2:22, Act 5:32; Mar 16:20; Heb 2:4 the word: Act 20:24, Act 20:32; Rom 1:16 granted: Act 4:29, Act 4:30, Act 5:12-14, Act 19:11, Act 19:12 Acts 14:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification