Acts 14:1

¶ 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.

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096} in {G1722} Iconium {G2430}, that they {G846} went {G1525} both {G2596} together {G846} into {G1519} the synagogue {G4864} of the Jews {G2453}, and {G2532} so {G3779} spake {G2980}, that {G5620} a great {G4183} multitude {G4128} both {G5037} of the Jews {G2453} and also {G2532} of the Greeks {G1672} believed {G4100}.

In Iconium the same thing happened — they went into the synagogue and spoke in such a way that a large number of both Jews and Greeks came to trust.

At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so well that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.

And 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.

Commentary

Acts 14:1 marks a new phase in the first missionary journey of the apostles Paul and Barnabas. Having faced opposition and expulsion from Antioch of Pisidia, they arrived in Iconium, a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey), where they continued their mission to spread the Gospel with remarkable success.

Context

Following their departure from Antioch of Pisidia, where they were persecuted and expelled (Acts 13:50), Paul and Barnabas traveled approximately 80 miles southeast to Iconium. This city was a major center along a vital trade route. True to their established pattern, they first entered the Jewish synagogue, a common strategy for early Christian missionaries. Synagogues provided a ready audience familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, which served as a foundation for presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah. Their arrival in Iconium was not a retreat but a strategic continuation of their fervent evangelistic work.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Persistence in Evangelism: Despite recent hostility, Paul and Barnabas immediately resumed their preaching upon arriving in Iconium. This demonstrates their profound courage and unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, even in the face of adversity.
  • The Power of the Proclaimed Word: The phrase "so spake" (Greek: houtōs elalēsan) indicates that Paul and Barnabas preached with extraordinary conviction, authority, and divine enablement. It was not merely human eloquence but the spiritual power accompanying their message that led to a powerful response.
  • The Inclusive Nature of the Gospel: A pivotal outcome was that "a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed." This highlights the universal appeal of the Christian message, demonstrating that salvation is offered to all people, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries (Romans 1:16). The early church was rapidly growing to include Gentiles.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "houtōs elalēsan" translated as "so spake," suggests that Paul and Barnabas spoke in a manner that was profoundly effective and compelling, not just casually. It implies a powerful and Spirit-filled proclamation. The term "believed" (Greek: episteusan) denotes a genuine act of faith—a deep trust and commitment to Jesus Christ, moving beyond mere intellectual agreement to a transformative personal conviction.

Practical Application

Acts 14:1 offers timeless lessons for believers. It underscores the importance of resilient faith and persistence in sharing the Gospel, even when confronted with opposition or challenges. The verse reminds us that the power to transform lives lies not in our own abilities but in the divine message of God's Word, which, when proclaimed boldly and clearly, can draw diverse people to faith in Christ. It encourages us to speak with conviction and to trust that God will open hearts to receive His truth, just as He did for both Jews and Greeks in Iconium.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 18:4

    And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

  • Acts 13:46

    Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

  • Acts 13:51

    But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

  • Acts 14:21

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

  • Acts 17:4

    And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

  • Acts 19:8

    ¶ And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

  • Acts 9:20

    And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
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