Acts 14:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,

Complete Jewish Bible:

After proclaiming the Good News in that city and making many people into talmidim, they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,

Berean Standard Bible:

They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

American Standard Version:

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G5037} when they had preached the gospel^{G2097} to that^{G1565} city^{G4172}, and^{G2532} had taught^{G3100} many^{G2425}, they returned again^{G5290} to^{G1519} Lystra^{G3082}, and^{G2532} to Iconium^{G2430}, and^{G2532} Antioch^{G490},

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Commentary for Acts 14:21

Acts 14:21 is a verse set within the context of the first missionary journey of the Apostle Paul and his companion Barnabas. This journey is a pivotal event in the early Christian church, marking the spread of the gospel beyond Judea to the Gentile nations. The verse captures a moment after Paul and Barnabas have evangelized in Derbe, a city in the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey).

In this verse, the themes of preaching the gospel and discipleship are central. Paul and Barnabas are not content with simply introducing the message of Christ; they also invest time in teaching and establishing the new converts in their faith. This reflects Jesus' command to make disciples, teaching them to observe all that He commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).

Historically, the cities mentioned—Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch—were significant stops on Paul's journey. In each of these cities, Paul and Barnabas faced severe opposition and persecution. In Lystra, for example, Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). Despite this, the verse demonstrates their commitment and courage as they return to these same cities. Their return is a testament to their dedication to strengthen the churches they had helped to establish, ensuring the fledgling Christian communities were equipped to face future challenges.

The verse also highlights the importance of follow-up and pastoral care in the early church. By revisiting these cities, Paul and Barnabas show a pattern of mentorship and oversight that would be essential for the growth and stability of the Christian movement. This practice of returning to encourage and instruct new believers would become a model for later missionary endeavors in the early church.

In summary, Acts 14:21 encapsulates the early church's missionary zeal, the commitment to teaching and discipleship, and the courage to face adversity. It reflects the apostolic pattern of establishing and nurturing Christian communities, a pattern that would shape the expansion of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G5037
   There are 192 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τέ
   Transliteration: té
   Pronunciation: teh
   Description: a primary particle (enclitic) of connection or addition; both or also (properly, as correlation of καί):--also, and, both, even, then, whether. Often used in composition, usually as the latter participle.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2097
   There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εὐαγγελίζω
   Transliteration: euangelízō
   Pronunciation: yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo
   Description: from εὖ and ἄγγελος; to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel:--declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).
   
3. Strong's Number: G1565
   There are 244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκεῖνος
   Transliteration: ekeînos
   Pronunciation: ek-i'-nos
   Description: from ἐκεῖ; that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed:--he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those. See also οὗτος.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4172
   There are 155 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πόλις
   Transliteration: pólis
   Pronunciation: pol'-is
   Description: probably from the same as πόλεμος, or perhaps from πολύς; a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size):--city.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3100
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μαθητεύω
   Transliteration: mathēteúō
   Pronunciation: math-ayt-yoo'-o
   Description: from μαθητής; intransitively, to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e. enrol as scholar:--be disciple, instruct, teach.
   
7. Strong's Number: G2425
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἱκανός
   Transliteration: hikanós
   Pronunciation: hik-an-os'
   Description: from ( or , akin to ἥκω) (to arrive); competent (as if coming in season), i.e. ample (in amount) or fit (in character):--able, + content, enough, good, great, large, long (while), many, meet, much, security, sore, sufficient, worthy.
   
8. Strong's Number: G5290
   There are 35 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑποστρέφω
   Transliteration: hypostréphō
   Pronunciation: hoop-os-tref'-o
   Description: from ὑπό and στρέφω; to turn under (behind), i.e. to return (literally or figuratively):--come again, return (again, back again), turn back (again).
   
9. Strong's Number: G1519
   There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰς
   Transliteration: eis
   Pronunciation: ice
   Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
   
10. Strong's Number: G3082
    There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Λύστρα
    Transliteration: Lýstra
    Pronunciation: loos'-trah
    Description: of uncertain origin; Lystra, a place in Asia Minor:--Lystra.
    
11. Strong's Number: G2430
    There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἰκόνιον
    Transliteration: Ikónion
    Pronunciation: ee-kon'-ee-on
    Description: perhaps from εἰκών; image-like; Iconium, a place in Asia Minor:--Iconium.
    
12. Strong's Number: G490
    There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἀντιόχεια
    Transliteration: Antiócheia
    Pronunciation: an-tee-okh'-i-ah
    Description: from (a Syrian king); Antiochia, a place in Syria:--Antioch.