Acts 14:14

[Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Which when {G1161} the apostles {G652}, Barnabas {G921} and {G2532} Paul {G3972}, heard {G191} of, they rent {G1284} their {G846} clothes {G2440}, and ran {G1530} in among {G1519} the people {G3793}, crying out {G2896},

When the emissaries Bar-Nabba and Sha’ul heard of it, they tore their clothes and ran into the crowd, shouting,

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting,

But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out

Commentary

Context of Acts 14:14

This verse describes the immediate and dramatic reaction of the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, to a profound misunderstanding in the city of Lystra. After Paul miraculously healed a man who had been lame from birth (Acts 14:8-10), the local pagan inhabitants, deeply ingrained in their polytheistic beliefs, concluded that the apostles were gods who had descended to earth. They identified Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes (due to his role as the chief speaker) and began preparations to offer sacrifices to them. This verse captures the apostles' horrified response to this act of intended idolatry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rejection of Idolatry: The primary message is the apostles' vehement refusal of divine worship. Their actions demonstrate a core biblical principle: all glory and worship belong to God alone, not to men or created things. This echoes the first commandment against having other gods.
  • Apostolic Humility: Despite having just performed a powerful miracle, Barnabas and Paul immediately deflected any praise or worship away from themselves. Their humility stands in stark contrast to the human tendency towards self-exaltation. They quickly clarify their true nature in Acts 14:15, emphasizing that they are mere mortals.
  • Zeal for God's Glory: Their extreme reaction—rending their clothes and rushing into the crowd—highlights their passionate commitment to defending God's honor and ensuring that He receives all due glory. They prioritized theological truth over personal gain or popularity.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The phrase "they rent their clothes" is a significant cultural gesture in ancient Jewish society. It was a customary expression of profound grief, shock, horror, or indignation, particularly in response to blasphemy or something considered an abomination. Examples include the high priest Caiaphas rending his clothes at what he perceived as Jesus' blasphemy (Matthew 26:65; Mark 14:63). For Barnabas and Paul, this act conveyed their utter distress and vehement protest against the Lystrans' attempt to worship them, which they considered a grave offense against God.

Practical Application

Acts 14:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Beware of Hero-Worship: This verse serves as a powerful reminder against idolizing spiritual leaders, pastors, or even gifted individuals. While we can admire and respect those who serve God, ultimate worship and adoration belong solely to God Himself.
  • Cultivate Humility: Like the apostles, we are called to deflect praise from ourselves and direct it to God. True spiritual maturity involves recognizing that any good accomplished through us is by God's grace and power, not our own.
  • Stand Against False Worship: The apostles' urgent reaction teaches us the importance of confronting and correcting misunderstandings that diminish God's unique glory, whether in overt idolatry or subtle forms of human pride.
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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

  • Matthew 26:65

    Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

  • Acts 14:4

    But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

  • Mark 14:63

    Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:5

    Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and [as] the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:6

    Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

  • Ezra 9:3

    And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

  • Ezra 9:5

    ¶ And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,
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