Acts14

In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas preached, leading to many conversions but also opposition, forcing them to flee to Lystra. There, Paul healed a lame man, causing the people to mistake them for gods, which the apostles vehemently rejected, pointing to the living God. Despite being stoned and left for dead by hostile Jews, Paul miraculously recovered. He and Barnabas then revisited the churches, confirming disciples and ordaining elders before returning to Antioch to report their mission.
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Preaching and Persecution in Iconium

1
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. ​
2
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. ​
3
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. ​
4
But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. ​
5
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,
6
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: ​
7
And there they preached the gospel.

Miracle and Mistaken Identity in Lystra

8
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: ​
9
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, ​
10
Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
11
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. ​
12
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. ​
13
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.
14
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, ​
15
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: ​
16
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. ​
17
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. ​
18
And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

Paul is Stoned and Revived

19
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. ​
20
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. ​

The Return Journey and Strengthening the Churches

21
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, ​
22
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. ​
23
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. ​
24
And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25
And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

Reporting Back to Antioch

26
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. ​
27
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. ​
28
And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Study Notes for Acts 14

Verse 1

Iconium was a major city in the region of Phrygia and Lycaonia. Following their established pattern, Paul and Barnabas began their evangelism in the Jewish synagogue, resulting in conversions from both Jewish and Greek communities.

Verse 2

The pattern of Jewish opposition stirring up Gentile hostility against the apostles is a recurring theme in Acts, highlighting the divisive nature of the gospel message.

Verse 3

Despite the opposition, the apostles remained for a 'long time,' demonstrating courage. Their ministry was authenticated by the Lord through miraculous 'signs and wonders,' confirming the truth of the message.

Verse 4

The city became openly divided, indicating that the preaching of the gospel often forces people to choose allegiance, leading to polarization within a community.

Verse 6

Fleeing to Lystra and Derbe, cities in Lycaonia, was a strategic retreat, not an act of cowardice, consistent with Jesus’ instruction to shake the dust off their feet and move on (Matt 10:23).

Verse 8

Lystra was a Roman colony. This healing miracle parallels Peter’s healing of the lame man in Acts 3, confirming the power of the Spirit working through Paul.

Verse 9

Paul perceived the man’s readiness for healing. While the power belonged to God, the presence of faith (or receptivity) in the recipient was often a prerequisite for a miraculous cure.

Verse 11

The people spoke in the local Lycaonian dialect. Their immediate identification of Paul and Barnabas as gods reflects local pagan myths (like the popular story of Jupiter and Mercury visiting Phrygia in disguise).

Verse 12

Jupiter (Zeus) was the chief god, and Mercurius (Hermes) was the messenger god and orator. Since Paul was the 'chief speaker,' the people assigned him the role of the messenger god.

Verse 14

The apostles ‘rent their clothes,’ a dramatic Jewish gesture signifying horror and distress, used here to express absolute rejection of the blasphemous honor being offered to them.

Verse 15

Paul’s sermon to this purely pagan audience begins not with the Jewish Scriptures, but with natural revelation—the living God revealed through creation—a common rhetorical strategy when addressing non-Jews.

Verse 16

God allowed nations to 'walk in their own ways' (i.e., pursue idolatry) in the past, but the current ministry signaled a new era of worldwide evangelism.

Verse 17

God’s enduring goodness and sustaining power are evidenced through the natural world (rain and fruitful seasons), serving as a universal witness to His existence even among those who do not know Him.

Verse 19

The persistent opposition followed Paul from previous cities, demonstrating the organized and relentless nature of the antagonists. Paul’s stoning fulfills prophetic warnings about persecution.

Verse 20

Whether Paul’s revival was instantaneous or a dramatic natural recovery, his ability to rise and return to the city immediately demonstrates immense divine protection and courage.

Verse 21

Rather than taking the shorter route home, Paul and Barnabas risked returning through the dangerous cities where they had faced persecution to strengthen the new converts.

Verse 22

This verse presents a foundational theological truth: commitment to Christ necessitates enduring hardship. The apostles prepared new believers for the reality that 'much tribulation' precedes the full realization of the Kingdom.

Verse 23

The appointment of 'elders' (presbyteroi) in every church ensured organized leadership and stability for the fledgling Gentile congregations, establishing a structure for long-term governance.

Verse 26

Syrian Antioch was the sending church for this missionary journey. The apostles returned to report the success of the mission, acknowledging that their work was accomplished through divine grace.

Verse 27

The central theme of the report was how God 'opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.' This confirms the mission’s success and sets the stage for the theological crisis addressed in Acts 15.

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