Acts 14:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:1 details the continued missionary efforts of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia. Following their expulsion from Antioch of Pisidia, they faithfully adhered to their pattern of entering the Jewish synagogue, where their Spirit-empowered proclamation of the Gospel resulted in a remarkable conversion of a great multitude, encompassing both Jewish and Greek individuals, underscoring the universal appeal and power of the Christian message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:1 immediately follows the account of Paul and Barnabas's persecution and expulsion from Antioch of Pisidia, as recorded in [Acts 13:50](/acts/13-50 "Paul and Barnabas Expelled from Antioch"). Despite facing hostility and being "shaken off the dust" from their feet as a testimony against their persecutors, the disciples were "filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost" ([Acts 13:52](/acts/13-52 "Disciples Filled with Joy and the Holy Spirit")). This verse marks their arrival in Iconium, approximately 80 miles southeast, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the Great Commission and the strategic continuation of their mission. It establishes the pattern of their evangelistic approach, beginning in the Jewish synagogue, which they would repeat in subsequent cities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Iconium was a prominent city located on a vital trade route connecting Ephesus to Syria, making it a melting pot of various cultures and a strategic center for spreading the Gospel. In the first century, Roman provinces like Galatia, where Iconium was situated, often had established Jewish communities, complete with synagogues. These synagogues served as centers for worship, community life, and the study of the Torah, attracting not only Jews but also "God-fearers" – Gentiles who were drawn to Jewish monotheism and ethical standards. Paul and Barnabas's initial approach to the synagogue was a common and effective missionary strategy, providing a ready audience familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, which served as a foundational platform for presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Unwavering Persistence in Evangelism** demonstrated by Paul and Barnabas. Despite the recent persecution and expulsion from Antioch, they immediately resumed their preaching upon arriving in Iconium, showcasing profound courage and steadfast obedience to the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, the phrase "so spake" underscores **The Power of the Proclaimed Word**. It implies that their preaching was not merely human eloquence but was accompanied by divine conviction, authority, and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, leading to a profound spiritual response. Lastly, the conversion of "a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks" emphasizes **The Inclusive Nature of the Gospel**. This outcome vividly illustrates that God's salvation is offered to all people, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries, fulfilling the universal scope of God's redemptive plan as prophesied in the Old Testament and realized in Christ, a theme powerfully articulated in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel for All Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _laléō_):** This verb, G2980, means "to talk, i.e. utter words." While it can denote ordinary conversation, in the context of missionary preaching, it often carries the nuance of a deliberate, authoritative, and Spirit-filled proclamation. It implies more than merely speaking; it suggests a powerful delivery that conveyed conviction and divine truth, leading to a significant response.
* **Greeks (Greek, _Héllēn_):** G1672 refers to a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas, but by extension, it signifies a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew. In the context of Acts, it is often used to denote Gentiles, highlighting the expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins and its reception by those outside the covenant community of Israel.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō_):** G4100 means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." This term signifies a genuine act of faith that goes beyond mere intellectual assent, involving a deep trust, commitment, and surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, resulting in a transformative personal conviction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass in Iconium,"**: This opening phrase signals a continuation of the narrative, marking the next geographical location in Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. Iconium is identified as the setting for the unfolding events, emphasizing the dynamic and mobile nature of early Christian evangelism.
* **"that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews,"**: This clause highlights the consistent missionary strategy employed by Paul and Barnabas. Their joint entry into the Jewish synagogue underscores their unity in purpose and their initial focus on reaching their Jewish brethren, who possessed a foundational understanding of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. This approach was strategic, providing a platform for dialogue and exposition of the scriptures.
* **"and so spake,"**: This concise yet powerful phrase describes the manner of their preaching. The adverb "so" (Greek: _houtōs_) indicates that their speech was not casual but delivered with extraordinary effectiveness, authority, and divine enablement. It suggests a compelling and persuasive proclamation of the Gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, which captivated their audience.
* **"that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed."**: This final clause reveals the profound and inclusive outcome of their ministry. The "great multitude" signifies a significant number of converts, indicating a successful evangelistic effort. Crucially, the phrase "both of the Jews and also of the Greeks" emphasizes the universal appeal and reach of the Gospel, demonstrating that salvation is offered to all humanity, transcending traditional ethnic and religious divisions. Their belief signifies genuine conversion and commitment to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Luke, the author of Acts, effectively employs several literary devices in this verse. The **Repetition** of the missionary pattern—entering the synagogue first—serves to emphasize the apostles' strategic and consistent approach to evangelism. There is an implicit **Contrast** between the persecution and expulsion faced in Antioch of Pisidia and the initial, significant success in Iconium, highlighting the resilience of the apostles and the unstoppable nature of the Gospel. The phrase "a great multitude" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the remarkable scale of the conversions and the powerful impact of Paul and Barnabas's message. Most significantly, the explicit mention of "both of the Jews and also of the Greeks" demonstrates **Inclusivity** and **Universalism**, a central theological theme in Acts, showcasing the Gospel's power to unite diverse peoples under Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:1 powerfully underscores the divine impetus behind the early Christian mission and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. The apostles' unwavering persistence, despite recent persecution, testifies to their profound conviction in the Gospel's truth and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Their strategic engagement in the synagogue, followed by a widespread response from both Jews and Greeks, illustrates God's sovereign intention to gather a people for Himself from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This verse highlights that genuine faith, as evidenced by the "great multitude" who "believed," is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative commitment to Christ, brought about by the Spirit-anointed proclamation of His Word. It foreshadows the growing Gentile inclusion within the early church, a pivotal development in redemptive history.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Gospel is the Power of God for Salvation")
* [1 Corinthians 1:22-24](/1_corinthians/1-22-24 "Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to embrace a similar spirit of unwavering commitment and inclusive outreach. The persistence of Paul and Barnabas in the face of adversity reminds us that the call to share the Gospel is not contingent on favorable circumstances but on faithful obedience, trusting that God will open doors even when others close them. Their powerful proclamation, leading to widespread belief, emphasizes that the effectiveness of our witness lies not in human eloquence alone, but in the Spirit-empowered delivery of God's truth. This verse also compels us to actively pursue the inclusive nature of the Gospel, breaking down social, cultural, or ethnic barriers within our communities and churches, ensuring that the message of Christ is accessible and welcoming to all, just as it was for both Jews and Greeks in Iconium.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the persistence of Paul and Barnabas inspire your own approach to sharing your faith, especially when faced with resistance or indifference?**
* **In what ways can we ensure that our proclamation of the Gospel is not merely human eloquence but empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to genuine belief?**
* **How can we actively embrace and demonstrate the inclusive nature of the Gospel in our communities today, reaching beyond cultural or social divides to welcome all into the family of God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul and Barnabas always go to the synagogue first?**

Answer: Paul and Barnabas consistently began their missionary efforts in the Jewish synagogues because it was a strategic and logical starting point. Synagogues provided a ready audience familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, which served as a common ground for discussing the prophecies of the Messiah. Paul, being a trained rabbi, could easily engage in theological discourse with the Jews, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of their long-awaited hope. Furthermore, synagogues often included "God-fearers," Gentiles who were already attracted to Jewish monotheism, making them receptive to the Gospel message. This approach allowed them to build on existing theological foundations before expanding their outreach to the broader Gentile population, as seen throughout the book of [Acts](/acts/13 "The Book of Acts").

**What does "so spake" imply about their preaching?**

Answer: The phrase "so spake" (Greek: _houtōs elalēsan_) in Acts 14:1 implies that Paul and Barnabas preached with extraordinary conviction, authority, and divine enablement, rather than just casual conversation. It suggests a powerful and compelling delivery of the Gospel message, imbued with the Holy Spirit's power. Their words were not merely human rhetoric but carried the weight of divine truth, which resonated deeply with their hearers and led to a significant response of faith. This highlights that the effectiveness of Gospel proclamation comes from God's power working through His messengers, not solely from human eloquence or persuasion, as Paul himself would later articulate in [1 Corinthians 2:4](/1_corinthians/2-4 "1 Corinthians 2:4 - My Speech and My Preaching").

**What was the significance of both Jews and Greeks believing?**

Answer: The conversion of "both of the Jews and also of the Greeks" is profoundly significant because it demonstrates the universal and inclusive nature of the Gospel message. It signifies the breaking down of the traditional ethnic and religious barriers that had historically separated Jews and Gentiles. This outcome was a direct fulfillment of God's ancient promises to bless all nations through Abraham's seed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")), and it foreshadowed the formation of the church as a new community where distinctions of ethnicity or social status are transcended in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). It underscores that salvation in Jesus Christ is offered freely to all humanity, regardless of their background.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:1, while narrating the missionary endeavors of Paul and Barnabas, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The apostles' unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of persecution, directly reflects the mission given by Christ Himself, who commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")). The power of their proclamation, leading to a "great multitude" believing, is not merely human eloquence but a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send to empower His witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Most significantly, the conversion of "both of the Jews and also of the Greeks" beautifully illustrates Christ's redemptive work in breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus' Other Sheep"), declared His intention to bring "other sheep that are not of this fold," signifying His universal reign and the gathering of a diverse flock from all peoples. Thus, the belief of Jews and Greeks in Iconium is a tangible demonstration of Christ's active lordship, His ongoing mission to reconcile all things to Himself, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan to redeem a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation for His glory ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude Worshipping God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.