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Acts 14

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1In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed. 2But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4But the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them, 6they became aware of it, and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region. 7There they preached the Good News. 8At Lystra a certain man sat, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked. 9He was listening to Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes on him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole, 10said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” He leaped up and walked. 11When the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12They called Barnabas “Jupiter”, and Paul “Mercury”, because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have made a sacrifice along with the multitudes. 14But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes, and sprang into the multitude, crying out, 15“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; 16who in the generations gone by allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17Yet he didn’t leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them. 19But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, 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 around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe. 21When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom. 23When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. 24They passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia. 25When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. 27When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations. 28They stayed there with the disciples for a long time.

World English Bible (public domain)

"'Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.'"

Acts 14:15

Summary

In Acts chapter 14, Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey in the cities of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In Iconium, they enter the Jewish synagogue, speaking so powerfully that a great number of Jews and Greeks believe. However, the division arises as some reject their teaching, leading to a plot against them; they flee to Lystra and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man, causing the crowds to mistake them for gods, calling Barnabas 'Zeus' and Paul 'Hermes.' They fervently refute the worship and point them to the living God. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrive, convincing the crowd to stone Paul. Miraculously, he survives and continues his mission in Derbe before returning to strengthen the believers in the cities they visited earlier, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith. They appoint elders in each church and emphasize the importance of enduring trials. Paul and Barnabas eventually return to Antioch, sharing the work that God has accomplished through them and how the door of faith has opened to the Gentiles.

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Chapter outline

How Acts 14 unfolds

  1. Acts 14:1–2 Fruitful Ministry in Iconium

    Paul and Barnabas enter a synagogue and speak effectively, resulting in many believers. However, opposition arises from disbelieving Jews, sowing discord among the Gentiles.

  2. Acts 14:3–5 Signs, Wonders, and Conflict

    They continue boldly, performing signs and wonders, but the city becomes divided as some plot to harm them. This forces the apostles to flee to Lystra and Derbe.

  3. Acts 14:6–10 Healing in Lystra

    In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man through faith, attracting attention. The crowd mistakenly thinks they are gods and attempts to worship them.

  4. Acts 14:11–18 Refuting Idolatry

    Paul and Barnabas vehemently reject the worship, urging the people to turn to the living God. Despite their efforts, the crowd nearly continues their idolatrous actions.

  5. Acts 14:19–20 Persecution and Resilience

    Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuade the crowd to stone Paul, leaving him for dead. Miraculously, he rises and continues his mission.

  6. Acts 14:21–23 Strengthening the Disciples

    After preaching in Derbe, they return to previous cities, confirming the disciples and appointing elders. They emphasize faith's endurance through trials.

  7. Acts 14:24–28 Return to Antioch

    They travel back through various regions and return to Antioch, sharing their experiences and the opened door of faith to the Gentiles.

Key verses

  • Acts 14:15Acts 14:15 encapsulates the apostles' mission to redirect worship from idols to the Creator, central to their message.

Main themes in Acts 14

Missionary Work

Acts 14 showcases the active missionary work of Paul and Barnabas, particularly as they proclaim the Gospel in Iconium (verse 1) and Lystra (verse 6). The chapter develops this theme by detailing the various challenges they encounter, including persecution and local opposition, while illustrating their unwavering commitment to their mission. Through their efforts, the narrative emphasizes the vital role of evangelism in the growth and establishment of the early church, reflecting God's call to share the message.

Perseverance in Trials

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas face considerable opposition, including violent attempts on their lives in Iconium and Lystra, which highlights the theme of perseverance in trials. Despite these challenges, they continue to proclaim the Gospel and encourage the believers to remain steadfast in their faith, as seen in verses 22 and 23. This theme underscores the importance of endurance in the Christian journey, illustrating that faith can thrive even amid significant adversity.

The Power of Faith

The healing of the crippled man in Lystra showcases the power of faith, as Paul recognizes the man's belief in his ability to be healed. This moment reflects the transformative potential of faith, both for individuals and communities, as it leads to significant responses from the crowd. Overall, faith acts as a catalyst for divine intervention.

God's Universal Call to Salvation

The chapter illustrates God's universal call to salvation as Paul and Barnabas preach to both Jews and Gentiles. Their return to strengthen the faith of believers indicates a commitment to inclusivity in the Gospel. The opening of faith to the Gentiles signifies an important shift in the early church's mission.

Cross-references

Passages that echo Acts 14

Study questions

Questions for studying Acts 14

  1. What is the significance of Paul healing the crippled man in Lystra?
  2. How do Paul and Barnabas respond to being mistaken for gods?
  3. What events lead to Paul being stoned by the crowd?
  4. How do Paul and Barnabas encourage the disciples in their returning visits?
  5. What does Paul say about entering God's Kingdom in verse 22?
  6. How does this chapter illustrate the challenges of missionary work?
  7. What role does faith play in Paul's healing of the man from Lystra?

Acts 14: frequently asked questions

What is Acts 14 about?+
In Acts chapter 14, Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey in the cities of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In Iconium, they enter the Jewish synagogue, speaking so powerfully that a great number of Jews and Greeks believe. However, the division arises as some reject their teaching, leading to a plot against them; they flee to Lystra and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man, causing the crowds to mistake them for gods, calling Barnabas 'Zeus' and Paul 'Hermes.' They fervently refute the worship and point them to the living God. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrive, convincing the crowd to stone Paul. Miraculously, he survives and continues his mission in Derbe before returning to strengthen the believers in the cities they visited earlier, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith. They appoint elders in each church and emphasize the importance of enduring trials. Paul and Barnabas eventually return to Antioch, sharing the work that God has accomplished through them and how the door of faith has opened to the Gentiles.
What is the key verse in Acts 14?+
Acts 14:15: "“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;"
What are the main themes of Acts 14?+
The main themes of Acts 14 are Missionary Work, Perseverance in Trials, The Power of Faith, God's Universal Call to Salvation.

Related chapters

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Study Notes