Acts 14:19

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there came thither {G1904} certain Jews {G2453} from {G575} Antioch {G490} and {G2532} Iconium {G2430}, who {G2532} persuaded {G3982} the people {G3793}, and {G2532}, having stoned {G3034} Paul {G3972}, drew {G4951} him out of {G1854} the city {G4172}, supposing {G3543} he {G846} had been dead {G2348}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then some unbelieving Jews came from Antioch and Iconium. They won over the crowds, stoned Sha’ul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.

Berean Standard Bible

Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead.

American Standard Version

But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:19 recounts a pivotal and harrowing event in the Apostle Paul's first missionary journey, where hostile Jewish agitators from Antioch and Iconium incited the local populace in Lystra to stone Paul, dragging him out of the city and leaving him for dead. This incident starkly illustrates the intense opposition faced by early Christian missionaries, the volatile nature of public opinion, and God's miraculous preservation of His servants for the furtherance of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a dramatic and violent turning point in Paul's ministry in Lystra. Immediately preceding it, Paul had performed a remarkable miracle, healing a man lame from birth in [Acts 14:8-10](/acts/14-8-10 "Acts 14:8-10 - Paul Heals a Lame Man"). This miracle led the local Lystrans, steeped in pagan mythology, to mistakenly identify Paul and Barnabas as Zeus and Hermes, attempting to offer sacrifices to them ([Acts 14:11-18](/acts/14-11-18 "Acts 14:11-18 - Paul and Barnabas Refuse Worship")). Paul and Barnabas vehemently rejected this idolatrous worship, redirecting the people to the living God. However, the fickle admiration of the crowd quickly soured with the arrival of antagonistic Jews from cities where Paul had previously preached and faced considerable opposition. These new arrivals exploited the crowd's superstitious nature and perhaps their disappointment that Paul and Barnabas were not, in fact, gods, turning their adoration into murderous intent. The narrative immediately following this verse, in [Acts 14:20](/acts/14-20 "Acts 14:20 - Paul's Miraculous Recovery"), describes Paul's miraculous recovery and his immediate departure for Derbe, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his mission despite life-threatening persecution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The stoning of Paul in Lystra was not merely a mob assault but an attempted execution, reflecting a form of capital punishment common in both Jewish and Roman legal traditions for severe offenses like blasphemy or sedition. The "Jews from Antioch and Iconium" were likely members of the Jewish diaspora who had previously rejected Paul's message and actively pursued him, demonstrating the deep-seated animosity some Jewish communities held towards the burgeoning Christian movement, which they viewed as a dangerous heresy. Lystra itself was a Roman colony in Lycaonia, a region known for its rural, less Hellenized population and strong local traditions, including pagan worship. The rapid shift in the crowd's sentiment from worship to violence underscores the volatile nature of ancient crowds, easily swayed by charismatic speakers and prone to mob mentality, especially when religious or political sensitivities were involved. This incident highlights the significant dangers and challenges faced by early missionaries operating in a multi-cultural, often hostile environment without the protection of established legal frameworks for their new faith.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 14:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Extreme Persecution** faced by the early church, particularly by Paul, as he faithfully proclaimed the Gospel. This was not just opposition but a direct attempt on his life, highlighting the spiritual warfare inherent in spreading the good news. Secondly, it underscores the **Fickle Nature of Crowds and Human Opinion**, demonstrating how quickly popular favor can turn into murderous hostility, reminding believers not to place their trust in human approval but in God alone. This is a recurring motif in the New Testament, seen also in the crowds' treatment of Jesus, from hailing him on Palm Sunday to demanding his crucifixion days later ([Matthew 21:8-9](/matthew/21-8-9 "Matthew 21:8-9 - Triumphal Entry") and [Matthew 27:20-23](/matthew/27-20-23 "Matthew 27:20-23 - Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). Thirdly, Paul's miraculous survival points directly to the theme of **Divine Preservation and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's protective hand over His chosen instruments, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled despite human malice. This event foreshadows Paul's later reflections on his many sufferings for Christ, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **persuaded (Greek, _peíthō'_):** This word signifies convincing by argument, whether true or false, or pacifying by other means. Here, it highlights the deliberate and malicious influence exerted by the hostile Jews. They didn't merely express their opinion; they actively swayed the crowd's judgment, turning their previously worshipful attitude into murderous rage against Paul. This demonstrates the power of manipulative rhetoric to incite violence.
* **stoned (Greek, _litházō'_):** Derived from _líthos_ (stone), this verb specifically means "to lapidate" or "to throw stones at." In the ancient world, stoning was a recognized and brutal method of execution, particularly for offenses deemed blasphemous or rebellious against religious or civil authority. The use of this word emphasizes that the intent of the mob was not merely to injure or punish Paul, but to kill him, marking this as a full-fledged attempt at capital punishment.
* **supposing (Greek, _nomízō'_):** This term means "to do by law (usage)," or "to deem or regard." In this context, it conveys the attackers' firm belief and conviction that Paul was dead. They had carried out the stoning with such ferocity and thoroughness that they were certain of his demise. This detail underscores the severity of the assault and, by contrast, magnifies the miraculous nature of Paul's survival, as it was contrary to all human expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium,"**: This clause introduces the instigators of the violence. These were not local Lystrans but external agitators from cities where Paul had previously ministered and faced significant opposition. Their pursuit of Paul across cities demonstrates the intensity of their animosity and their determination to thwart his ministry, highlighting a pattern of organized resistance against the spread of the Gospel.
* **"who persuaded the people,"**: This phrase reveals the method by which the external Jews achieved their objective. They did not physically attack Paul themselves initially but rather manipulated the local Lystran populace. The word "persuaded" indicates a deliberate effort to sway public opinion, likely by slandering Paul, misrepresenting his message, or appealing to the crowd's fickle nature and superstitious fears, effectively turning their adoration into hostility.
* **"and, having stoned Paul,"**: This describes the brutal act committed against Paul. The stoning was a direct result of the persuasion, indicating a swift and violent shift in the crowd's disposition. As a form of capital punishment, it signifies the mob's intent to execute Paul for what they perceived as a serious offense, likely incited by the Jews' accusations of blasphemy or subversion.
* **"drew [him] out of the city,"**: This action further emphasizes the mob's conviction that Paul was dead and their desire to dispose of his body. Dragging him outside the city walls was a common practice for executed criminals, signifying their utter rejection and defilement, ensuring that the city itself was not defiled by his supposed corpse. It also indicates the public nature of the violence and the complete humiliation intended for Paul.
* **"supposing he had been dead."**: This final clause highlights the perceived outcome of the stoning. The attackers were so confident in their lethal assault that they presumed Paul was no longer alive. This detail sets the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows in the subsequent verse, where Paul remarkably revives, making his survival all the more astonishing and a testament to divine power.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 14:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its dramatic message. **Dramatic Irony** is evident in the swift reversal of the crowd's sentiment; just moments before, they were attempting to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, only to turn into a murderous mob. This highlights the inherent instability of human adulation and the superficiality of their initial reverence. The phrase "supposing he had been dead" utilizes **Understatement** or **Litotes**, as the reality of Paul's survival, following such a brutal assault, is far more profound than the attackers' assumption. This understated declaration sets up the miraculous resurrection-like event in the following verse, amplifying its impact. Furthermore, the entire episode functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the relentless persecution Paul will continue to face throughout his ministry, as well as the divine protection that will consistently accompany him. The vivid, almost journalistic, description of the stoning and dragging also creates a powerful sense of **Realism**, immersing the reader in the brutal reality of early Christian missionary life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:19 stands as a powerful testament to the reality of suffering for the sake of the Gospel and God's sovereign protection over His servants. It demonstrates that the spread of God's kingdom often provokes intense opposition from those who resist its truth, yet God remains faithful to His purposes. Paul's experience here echoes the pattern of suffering and vindication seen throughout biblical history, from the prophets of old to Christ himself. It reminds believers that faithfulness to Christ may entail hardship, but it does not mean abandonment by God. The miraculous survival of Paul underscores the truth that God's plan for an individual's life cannot be thwarted by human malice or violence until His appointed time.

* [2 Timothy 3:11](/2_timothy/3-11 "2 Timothy 3:11 - Paul's Persecutions and Deliverance")
* [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Fleeing Persecution")
* [Psalm 118:17](/psalms/118-17 "Psalm 118:17 - I Shall Not Die, But Live")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:19 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly regarding the nature of discipleship and the reality of opposition. Paul's experience in Lystra reminds us that faithfully proclaiming the Gospel can elicit strong, even violent, reactions. It challenges us to examine our own expectations of Christian life: do we anticipate ease and popularity, or are we prepared for the "cost of discipleship"? This passage encourages a deep reliance on God's sovereign power, knowing that our lives are ultimately in His hands, and His purposes for us will prevail. It calls us to cultivate resilience and courage, not shrinking back from sharing our faith even when faced with hostility or ridicule. Just as Paul was miraculously preserved, we can trust that God will sustain us through trials, enabling us to continue our mission for His glory. This verse also serves as a sobering reminder of the fickle nature of human approval; our ultimate validation comes not from popular opinion but from God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's experience in Lystra challenge my own expectations about what it means to follow Christ?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek human approval rather than faithfully proclaiming God's truth, even if it brings opposition?**
* **How does the miraculous nature of Paul's survival strengthen my faith in God's protective power in my own life?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate greater resilience and courage in the face of spiritual opposition?**

### FAQ

**Why did the crowd's attitude towards Paul change so quickly?**

Answer: The crowd's rapid shift from worship to violence highlights the volatile nature of ancient mobs and the superficiality of their initial adoration. They were likely driven by superstition and a desire for immediate, tangible benefits from perceived gods. When the Jewish agitators arrived, they skillfully exploited this instability, perhaps appealing to existing prejudices, misrepresenting Paul's message, or simply redirecting the crowd's fervor. The Lystrans' initial "worship" was not rooted in a genuine understanding of God but in a pagan worldview, making them susceptible to manipulation when their expectations were not met or when new, persuasive voices emerged. This demonstrates how easily human opinion can be swayed without a firm foundation in truth, as seen in the crowds who hailed Jesus on Palm Sunday and then demanded his crucifixion days later ([Matthew 21:8-9](/matthew/21-8-9 "Matthew 21:8-9 - Triumphal Entry") and [Matthew 27:20-23](/matthew/27-20-23 "Matthew 27:20-23 - Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")).

**How did Paul survive being stoned and left for dead?**

Answer: Acts 14:19 explicitly states that the attackers left Paul "supposing he had been dead." The immediate follow-up in [Acts 14:20](/acts/14-20 "Acts 14:20 - Paul's Miraculous Recovery") describes the disciples gathering around him, after which he "rose up, and came into the city." The text does not provide a medical explanation for his survival but presents it as a miraculous act of divine preservation. While it's possible he was gravely injured but not technically dead, the narrative strongly implies a supernatural recovery, underscoring God's sovereign protection over Paul's life. This event is a clear demonstration that God's purposes for His servants cannot be thwarted by human violence, and He can sustain them even in the face of death.

**What happened to Paul immediately after this incident?**

Answer: Miraculously, after the disciples gathered around him, Paul "rose up, and came into the city" ([Acts 14:20](/acts/14-20 "Acts 14:20 - Paul's Miraculous Recovery")). The very next day, he departed with Barnabas for Derbe. This immediate continuation of his missionary journey, despite such a traumatic and near-fatal experience, powerfully demonstrates Paul's unwavering commitment to the Gospel and his profound trust in God's call upon his life. It showcases his resilience and determination to preach the Word regardless of the personal cost, setting an example for all who would follow Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stoning of Paul in Acts 14:19, and his miraculous survival, powerfully foreshadows and participates in the greater narrative of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. Just as Paul was violently attacked, left for dead, and then remarkably rose, so too did Christ endure the ultimate suffering and death, only to be gloriously raised on the third day ([Luke 24:6-7](/luke/24-6-7 "Luke 24:6-7 - He Is Not Here, But Is Risen")). Paul's experience is a tangible demonstration of what it means to "fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" for the sake of His body, the church ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")). His suffering for the Gospel is not merely an imitation of Christ's but a participation in the pattern of divine victory through apparent defeat. The Lord's preservation of Paul, despite the mob's conviction that he was dead, underscores the truth that death does not have the final word for those who belong to Christ. It points to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, guaranteeing that those who suffer for His name will also share in His resurrection power and eternal life ([Philippians 3:10-11](/philippians/3-10-11 "Philippians 3:10-11 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings and Resurrection")). Paul's willingness to immediately continue his ministry after such a brutal ordeal reflects the unshakeable hope and courage found only in the resurrected Christ, whose power is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace Is Sufficient")).

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

2 Corinthians 11:25

Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

2 Timothy 3:11

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.

Acts 13:50

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

Acts 13:51

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

Acts 14:5

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,

Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.