Acts 14:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:14 vividly portrays the immediate and vehement reaction of the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, when they learned that the people of Lystra intended to offer sacrifices to them, believing them to be gods. Their response—rending their clothes and rushing into the crowd, crying out—underscores their profound distress and unwavering commitment to redirecting all worship and glory solely to the one true God, firmly rejecting any form of idolatry or self-exaltation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following Paul's miraculous healing of a man lame from birth in Lystra, as recounted in [Acts 14:8-10](/acts/14-8-10 "Paul Heals a Lame Man in Lystra"). The healing deeply impressed the local inhabitants, who, steeped in their pagan traditions, immediately concluded that Barnabas and Paul were gods who had descended to earth. They identified Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes, the chief speaker, and began preparations to offer sacrifices to them, bringing oxen and garlands to the city gates ([Acts 14:11-13](/acts/14-11-13 "Lystrans Mistake Paul and Barnabas for Gods")). Acts 14:14 captures the apostles' horrified and decisive intervention, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent sermon in [Acts 14:15-18](/acts/14-15-18 "Paul's Sermon to the Lystrans"), where he explicitly refutes their idolatrous assumptions and proclaims the living God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lystra was a Roman colony in the region of Lycaonia, a rural area known for its strong adherence to traditional Greco-Roman polytheistic beliefs. The people were familiar with myths of gods visiting earth in human form, such as the story of Zeus and Hermes visiting Philemon and Baucis. Their immediate leap to deifying Barnabas and Paul reflects their cultural worldview, where miraculous power was often attributed to divine beings. The act of "rending their clothes" was a deeply significant cultural gesture, particularly in Jewish tradition, signifying extreme grief, shock, horror, or indignation, especially in response to blasphemy or perceived sacrilege. For Barnabas and Paul, this was not merely a sign of surprise, but a public, visceral protest against the profound theological error and insult to God's exclusive glory.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 14:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **rejection of idolatry** and the **supremacy of the one true God**, a constant message throughout the early Christian mission, particularly as the gospel expanded into pagan territories. The apostles' actions emphatically declare that worship belongs to God alone, echoing the foundational commandment against other gods found in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment"). Secondly, the verse showcases **apostolic humility** and integrity, demonstrating that true spiritual authority deflects glory from self to God. Despite performing a miracle, they vehemently refused any personal honor, standing in stark contrast to the human tendency towards self-exaltation. This humility is further articulated in their subsequent declaration in [Acts 14:15](/acts/14-15 "Paul and Barnabas Declare Their Humanity"), where they emphasize their shared humanity. Finally, it exemplifies the apostles' **zeal for God's glory**, illustrating their passionate commitment to defending God's honor and ensuring He receives all due praise, prioritizing theological truth over personal popularity or gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rent (Greek, _diarrhḗssō'_):** This verb signifies a violent tearing apart, often used in the context of garments. Its use here emphasizes the extreme and visceral nature of the apostles' reaction. It was not a gentle tearing, but a forceful, public act of protest, conveying profound distress, indignation, and spiritual horror at the blasphemous intent of the Lystrans.
* **ran in among (Greek, _eispēdáō'_):** This compound verb, formed from "into" and "to leap," vividly describes a sudden, forceful, and urgent movement. It paints a picture of the apostles not merely walking, but leaping or rushing into the crowd with great haste and intensity. This conveys their desperate urgency to intervene and stop the impending idolatry before it could take place.
* **crying out (Greek, _krázō'_):** This verb means to "croak" or scream, indicating a loud, often desperate or urgent vocalization. It suggests a passionate, perhaps even hoarse, outcry rather than a calm address. This loud shouting was necessary to capture the attention of the excited multitude and convey the gravity of their message amidst the chaotic scene of impending sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of":** This clause establishes the immediate cause of their reaction: the apostles became aware of the Lystrans' intention to offer sacrifices to them. The phrasing highlights that it was not merely a rumor, but a clear understanding of the impending idolatry that triggered their response.
* **"they rent their clothes":** This action is a powerful non-verbal communication. As detailed in the cultural context, it was a traditional Jewish expression of extreme grief, shock, or indignation, particularly in the face of blasphemy or sacrilege. For Barnabas and Paul, it was a public, unmistakable sign of their utter horror and vehement rejection of the Lystrans' attempt to worship them as gods.
* **"and ran in among the people":** This describes their urgent and forceful physical response. They did not passively observe or calmly approach, but actively and quickly moved into the midst of the excited crowd. This demonstrates their proactive and desperate attempt to stop the idolatrous act from proceeding.
* **"crying out":** This final phrase indicates their vocal and passionate protest. Their shouts were meant to draw attention, interrupt the proceedings, and communicate the urgency and gravity of their message, which would then be elaborated upon in the subsequent verses. It signifies their commitment to verbally correcting the profound misunderstanding.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 14:14 is rich in **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience knows Barnabas and Paul are mere mortals and servants of God, while the Lystrans mistakenly perceive them as divine beings. This creates tension and highlights the profound theological chasm between pagan belief and Christian truth. The apostles' actions employ **Hyperbole** in their intensity; rending clothes and rushing into a crowd are exaggerated responses that underscore the extreme nature of their spiritual indignation. This serves to emphasize the gravity of idolatry from the apostles' perspective. Furthermore, there is a strong **Contrast** between the Lystrans' misguided reverence and the apostles' humble humanity, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent sermon which explicitly clarifies their true identity and the nature of the one true God. The scene is also highly **Dramatic**, characterized by rapid action and intense emotion, capturing the reader's attention and conveying the urgency of the apostles' mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:14 serves as a powerful theological statement on the absolute exclusivity of God's glory and the inherent sinfulness of idolatry. The apostles' extreme reaction underscores the non-negotiable truth that worship is due to God alone, and any attempt to deify humans or created things is a grave offense against His sovereignty and holiness. Their actions model a profound humility that deflects all praise from themselves, demonstrating that true spiritual authority always points beyond itself to the source of all power and goodness. This incident is a vivid illustration of the early church's unwavering commitment to monotheism in a polytheistic world, challenging pagan assumptions and laying the groundwork for a theology that elevates God above all human achievement or perception. It teaches us that guarding God's glory must be a primary concern for all believers.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "Flee from Idolatry")
* [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Worship God Alone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The apostles' visceral response in Acts 14:14 offers a timeless and potent challenge to believers today. In a world that often elevates human achievement, charisma, or even spiritual giftedness to an unhealthy degree, this passage serves as a stark reminder to guard against any form of hero-worship or the subtle idolatry of self. We are called to cultivate a profound humility, recognizing that any good accomplished through us is solely by God's grace and for His glory, not our own. Just as Barnabas and Paul vehemently rejected the praise of men, we too must be quick to deflect adoration and point others to the true source of all blessing. This passage also calls us to a zealous defense of God's unique glory, prompting us to confront and correct any attitudes or practices—within ourselves or our communities—that diminish His supreme worth or attribute His power to human means.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I subtly seek or accept praise that should rightly belong to God alone?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility that consistently points others to God's glory, rather than my own accomplishments or gifts?**
* **What forms of "idolatry" (e.g., valuing success, comfort, or reputation above God) might I need to "rend my clothes" over and actively reject in my own life?**
* **When faced with opportunities for self-exaltation, how can I respond with the same urgency and conviction as Barnabas and Paul?**

### FAQ

**Why was "rending their clothes" such a significant act for Barnabas and Paul?**

Answer: Rending clothes was a powerful and culturally recognized gesture, particularly in ancient Jewish society, signifying extreme grief, shock, or indignation. It was a common response to blasphemy or anything considered a profound abomination against God. For Barnabas and Paul, this act was not merely a display of emotion but a public, dramatic, and unmistakable protest against the Lystrans' attempt to worship them, which they considered a grave insult to the one true God and a violation of the first commandment ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")). It communicated their utter horror at the thought of receiving divine honor.

**What does this passage teach us about Christian leadership?**

Answer: This passage profoundly illustrates the essence of Christ-centered leadership: **humility** and **glory-deflection**. True Christian leaders, like Barnabas and Paul, are not to seek or accept worship for themselves, but to consistently redirect all praise and attention to God. Their immediate and vehement reaction demonstrates that a leader's primary concern should be the honor of God, not personal aggrandizement. It teaches that authentic spiritual authority is characterized by a deep reverence for God's unique sovereignty and a zealous commitment to ensuring that He alone receives all glory, even when performing powerful works through His servants ([1 Peter 4:11](/1_peter/4-11 "Serve with the Strength God Provides")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:14, with the apostles' fervent rejection of deification, powerfully foreshadows and reflects the ultimate humility and glory-deflection exemplified by Jesus Christ Himself. While Barnabas and Paul were mere men who refused divine honor, Jesus, though fully God, "did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped" ([Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Christ's Humility")), but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently pointed to the Father, declaring, "I can do nothing on my own" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "Jesus' Dependence on the Father")) and "the words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does His works" ([John 14:10](/john/14-10 "Jesus and the Father are One")). The apostles' actions in Lystra, therefore, are a human echo of the divine pattern set by Christ, who, despite being worthy of all worship, humbled Himself, always seeking the Father's glory ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "Jesus Glorifies the Father")), and ultimately became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus")). Their refusal of glory anticipates the truth that all glory belongs to Him who is both fully God and fully man, the one mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "One Mediator Between God and Man")).

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

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,