TRV
Translation
King James Version
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
Complete Jewish Bible
But the Jews who would not be persuaded stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
Berean Standard Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
American Standard Version
But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.
World English Bible Messianic
But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the vnbeleeuing Iewes stirred vp, and corrupted the mindes of the Gentiles against the brethren.
Young's Literal Translation
and the unbelieving Jews did stir up and made evil the souls of the nations against the brethren;
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 27,417 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Acts 14 verses 1–7
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.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
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,
6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7 And there they preached the gospel.
In these verses we have,
I. The preaching of the gospel in Iconium, whither the apostles were forced to retire from Antioch. As the blood of the martyrs has been the seed of the church, so the banishment of the confessors has helped to scatter that seed. Observe, 1. How they made the first offer of the gospel to the Jews in their synagogues; thither they went, not only as to a place of meeting, but as to a place of meeting with them, to whom, wherever they came, they were to apply themselves in the first place. Though the Jews at Antioch had used them barbarously, yet they did not therefore decline preaching the gospel to the Jews at Iconium, who perhaps might be better disposed. Let not those of any denomination be condemned in the gross, nor some suffer for others' faults; but let us do good to those who have done evil to us. Though the blood-thirsty hate the upright, yet the just seek their soul (Pro 29:10), seek the salvation of it. 2. How the apostles concurred herein. Notice is taken of this, that they went both together into the synagogue, to testify their unanimity and mutual affection, that people might say, See how they love one another, and might think the better of Christianity, and that they might strengthen one another's hands and confirm one another's testimony, and out of the mouth of two witnesses every word might be established. They did not go one one day and another another, nor one go at the beginning and the other some time after; but they went in both together.
II. The success of their preaching there: They so spoke that a great multitude, some hundreds perhaps, if not thousands, both of the Jews and also of the Greeks, that is the Gentiles, believed. Observe here, 1. That the gospel was now preached to Jews and Gentiles together, and those of each denomination that believed came together into the church. In the close of the foregoing chapter it was preached first to the Jews, and some of them believed, and then to the Gentiles, and some of them believed; but here they are put together, being put upon the same level. The Jews have not so lost their preference as to be thrown behind, only the Gentiles are brought to stand upon even terms with them; both are reconciled to God in one body (Eph 2:16), and both together admitted into the church without distinction. 2. There seems to have been something remarkable in the manner of the apostles' preaching here, which contributed to their success: They so spoke that a great multitude believed - so plainly, so convincingly, with such an evidence and demonstration of the Spirit, and with such power; they so spoke, so warmly, so affectionately, and with such a manifest concern for the souls of men, that one might perceive they were not only convinced, but filled, with the things they spoke of, and that what they spoke came from the heart and therefore was likely to reach to the heart; they so spoke, so earnestly and so seriously, so boldly and courageously, that those who heard them could not but say that God was with them of a truth. Yet the success was not to be attributed to the manner of their preaching, but to the Spirit of God, who made use of that means.
III. The opposition that their preaching met with there, and the trouble that was created them; lest they should be puffed up with the multitude of their converts, there was given them this thorn in the flesh. 1. Unbelieving Jews were the first spring of their trouble here, as elsewhere (Act 14:2): they stirred up the Gentiles. The influence which the gospel had upon many of the Gentiles, and their embracing it, as it provoked some of the Jews to a holy jealousy and stirred them up to receive the gospel too (Rom 11:14), so it provoked others of them to a wicked jealousy, and exasperated them against the gospel. Thus as good instructions, so good examples, which to some are a savour of life unto life, to others are a savour of death unto death. See Co2 2:15, Co2 2:16. 2. Disaffected Gentiles, irritated by the unbelieving Jews, were likely to be the instruments of their trouble. The Jews, by false suggestions, which they were continually buzzing in the ears of the Gentiles, made their minds evil affected against the brethren, whom of themselves they were inclined to think favourably of. They not only took occasion in all companies, as it came in their way, but made it their business to go purposely to such as they had any acquaintance with, and said all that their wit or malice could invent to beget in them not only a mean but an ill opinion of Christianity, telling them how destructive it would certainly be to their pagan theology and worship; and, for their parts, they would rather be Gentiles than Christians. Thus they soured and embittered their spirits against both the converters and the converted. The old serpent did, by their poisonous tongues, infuse his venom against the seed of the woman into the minds of these Gentiles, and this was a root of bitterness in them, bearing gall and wormwood. It is no wonder if those who are ill affected towards good people wish ill to them, speak ill of them, and contrive ill against them; it is all owing to ill will. Ekakōsan, they molested and vexed the minds of the Gentiles (so some of the critics take it); they were continually teasing them with their impertinent solicitations. The tools of persecutors have a dog's life, set on continually.
IV. Their continuance in their work there, notwithstanding this opposition, and God's owning them in it, Act 14:3. We have here, 1. The apostles working for Christ, faithfully and diligently, according to the trust committed to them. Because the minds of the Gentiles were evil affected against them, one would think that therefore they should have withdrawn, and hastened out of the way, or, if they had preached, should have preached cautiously, for fear of giving further provocation to those who were already enough enraged. No; on the contrary, therefore they abode there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord. The more they perceived the spite and rancour of the town against the new converts, the more they were animated to go on in their work, and the more needful they saw it to continue among them, to confirm them in the faith, and to comfort them. They spoke boldly, and were not afraid of giving offence to the unbelieving Jews. What God said to the prophet, with reference to the unbelieving Jews in his day, was now made good to the apostles: I have made thy face strong against their faces, Eze 3:7-9. But observe what it was that animated them: They spoke boldly in the Lord, in his strength, and trusting in him to bear them out; not depending upon any thing in themselves. They were strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 2. Christ working with the apostles, according to his promise, Lo, I am with you always. When they went on in his name and strength, he failed not to give testimony to the word of his grace. Note, (1.) The gospel is a word of grace, the assurance of God's good will to us and the means of his good work in us. It is the word of Christ's grace, for it is in him alone that we find favour with God. (2.) Christ himself has attested this word of grace, who is the Amen, the faithful witness; he has assured us that it is the word of God, and that we may venture our souls upon it. As it was said in general concerning the first preachers of the gospel that they had the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by signs following (Mar 16:20), so it is said particularly concerning the apostles here that the Lord confirmed their testimony, in granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands - in the miracles they wrought in the kingdom of nature - as well as the wonders done by their word, in the greater miracles wrought on men's minds by the power of divine grace. The Lord was with them, while they were with him, and abundance of good was done.
V. The division which this occasioned in the city (Act 14:4): The multitude of the city was divided into two parties, and both active and vigorous. Among the rulers and persons of rank, and among the common people, there were some that held with the unbelieving Jews, and others that held with the apostles. Barnabas is here reckoned an apostle, though not one of the twelve, nor called in the extra-ordinary manner that Paul was, because set apart by special designation of the Holy Ghost to the service of the Gentiles. It seems, this business of the preaching of the gospel was so universally taken notice of with concern that every person, even of the multitude of the city, was either for it or against it; none stood neuter. "Either for us or for our adversaries, for God or Baal, for Christ or Beelzebub." 1. We may here see the meaning of Christ's prediction that he came not to send peace upon earth, but rather division, Luk 12:51-53. If all would have given in unanimously into his measures, there would have been universal concord; and, could men have agreed in this, there would have been no dangerous discord nor disagreement in other things; but, disagreeing here, the breach was wide as the sea. Yet the apostles must not be blamed for coming to Iconium, although before they came the city was united, and now it was divided; for it is better that part of the city go to heaven than all to hell. 2. We may here take the measures of our expectations; let us not think it strange if the preaching of the gospel occasion division, nor be offended at it; it is better to be reproached and persecuted as dividers for swimming against the stream than yield ourselves to be carried down the stream that leads to destruction. Let us hold with the apostles, and not fear those that hold with the Jews.
VI. The attempt made upon the apostles by their enemies. Their evil affection against them broke out at length into violent outrages, Act 14:5. Observe, 1. Who the plotters were: Both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers. The Gentiles and Jews were at enmity with one another, and yet united against Christians, like Herod and Pilate, Sadducees and Pharisees, against Christ; and like Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, of old, against Israel. If the church's enemies can thus unite for its destruction, shall not its friends, laying aside all personal feuds, unite for its preservation? 2. What the plot was. Having now got the rulers on their side, they doubted not but to carry their point, and their design was to use the apostles despitefully, to expose them to disgrace, and then to stone them, to put them to death; and thus they hoped to sink their cause. They aimed to take away both their reputation and their life, and this was all they had to lose which men could take from them, for they had neither lands nor goods.
VII. The deliverance of the apostles out of the hands of those wicked and unreasonable men, Act 14:6, Act 14:7. They got away, upon notice given them of the design against them, or the beginning of the attempt upon them, of which they were soon aware, and they made an honourable retreat (for it was not an inglorious flight) to Lystra and Derbe; and there, 1. They found safety. Their persecutors in Iconium were for the present satisfied that they were thrust out of their borders, and pursued them no further. God has shelters for his people in a storm; nay, he is, and will be, himself their hiding place. 2. They found work, and this was what they went for. When the door of opportunity was shut against them at Iconium, it was opened at Lystra and Derbe. To these cities they went, and there, and in the region that lieth round about, they preached the gospel. In times of persecution ministers may see cause to quit the spot, when yet they do not quit the work.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
Copy as
Ammonius of AlexandriaAD 300
CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 14.2
They caused an uprising against the faithful. The Jews joined forces with the Greeks so that what was said in the psalm might be fulfilled: “Why do the nations clamor and peoples devise plans in vain?” when, all the while, the faithful, throughout all their exhortations, kept calling them brothers when they said, “My brothers.” And in the same manner, the psalm, speaking for Christ, also prophesied about the Lord as doing and saying this very thing, “I will declare your name to my brothers.”
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Acts 30
"Made their minds evil-affected," it says, "against the brethren": i.e. slandered the Apostles, raised numberless accusations against them: these people, being simple, they "made evil-affected," disposed them to act a malignant part.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Acts 30
"But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren." Together with themselves now they took to stirring up the Gentiles too, as not being themselves sufficient. Then why did the Apostles not go forth thence? Why, they were not driven away, only attacked.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Acts
They stirred up the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers. What follows in Greek: "But God made peace," is missing in some Latin manuscripts. And there: "They were preaching," it follows in Greek: "And the whole multitude was moved by their teaching."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Acts 14:2 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Acts 14:2 vividly portrays the immediate and intense opposition faced by the apostles Paul and Barnabas in Iconium. Despite initial success in preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, a faction of unbelieving Jews actively incited and manipulated the Gentile population, poisoning their minds and turning their disposition hostile against the nascent Christian community and its leaders. This verse highlights the deliberate and malicious nature of the resistance encountered by the early church as it sought to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Acts 14:2 employs several literary devices to convey its message. There is a clear Antithesis between the "great multitude" of believers in Acts 14:1 and the "unbelieving Jews" who stir up opposition in this verse, highlighting the divisive nature of the Gospel message. The phrase "stirred up" (Greek: epegeírō) functions as a Metaphor for igniting hostility, akin to fanning flames or rousing a sleeping beast. The action of "making their minds evil affected" (Greek: kakóō their psychē) is a vivid Idiom or Figurative Language depicting the corruption of thought and disposition, rather than a literal physical alteration. Furthermore, the verse serves as Foreshadowing of the escalating persecution that Paul and Barnabas will face, not only in Iconium but throughout their missionary journeys, illustrating a recurring pattern of opposition to the spread of the Gospel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:2 profoundly illustrates the inherent tension between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. The Gospel, by its very nature, demands a response, and that response is rarely neutral. When the truth of Christ is proclaimed, it exposes the darkness, challenges established norms, and calls for repentance and faith. This often provokes a hostile reaction from those who prefer the status quo or whose hearts are hardened by unbelief. The deliberate manipulation of public opinion by the unbelieving Jews against the "brethren" reveals the spiritual battle at play, where the enemy seeks to hinder the advance of God's redemptive plan by inciting division and persecution. This verse serves as a sober reminder that faithfulness to Christ will inevitably encounter resistance, a pattern consistent throughout biblical history and into the present day.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:2 offers timeless insights for believers navigating a world that often resists the Gospel. It reminds us that opposition is not a sign of failure but often an indicator that the truth is being powerfully proclaimed and impacting lives. The "unbelieving Jews" actively sought to "stir up" and "evil affect" minds, demonstrating that spiritual warfare often involves psychological and social manipulation, aiming to discredit and isolate believers. This calls us to be discerning, recognizing that negative narratives about Christians or the church may be deliberately propagated. Instead of being discouraged by such resistance, we are called to stand firm in our faith, continue to proclaim the truth with boldness, and trust in God's sovereign power to work through all circumstances, even opposition. Just as Paul and Barnabas continued to speak boldly (Acts 14:3), we too are to persevere, knowing that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation, regardless of human resistance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the "unbelieving Jews" so against Paul and Barnabas's message?
Answer: The "unbelieving Jews" were against Paul and Barnabas's message primarily because it challenged their established religious traditions and their understanding of the Messiah. Paul preached that Jesus, a crucified man, was the long-awaited Messiah, and that salvation came through faith in Him, not through adherence to the Mosaic Law (Acts 13:38-39). This message was perceived as blasphemous by many Jewish leaders, as it seemed to undermine the Law and the temple system. Furthermore, Paul's willingness to extend the Gospel to Gentiles without requiring them to fully convert to Judaism (e.g., circumcision) was a significant point of contention, as it broke down traditional barriers and threatened their exclusive identity as God's chosen people (Acts 15:1-5). Their opposition was rooted in a deep-seated theological disagreement and a desire to maintain their religious authority and cultural distinctiveness.
What does "made their minds evil affected" mean in a practical sense?
Answer: Practically, "made their minds evil affected" means that the unbelieving Jews successfully prejudiced and poisoned the thoughts and attitudes of the Gentiles against the Christian believers. This was a form of psychological manipulation and character assassination. It implies that they spread false rumors, slandered the apostles and their message, and incited fear or anger among the Gentile population. The Gentiles, who might have initially been open or neutral, were swayed by these malicious narratives, leading them to view the Christians with suspicion, hostility, and ill-will. This mental corruption then paved the way for physical persecution, as seen in the subsequent verses where attempts were made to stone Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:5).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:2, though detailing human opposition, ultimately points to the Christ-centered reality of the Gospel's advance. The hostility faced by Paul and Barnabas mirrors the rejection and suffering endured by Jesus Himself. Just as the religious leaders "stirred up" the crowds against Christ, leading to His crucifixion (Matthew 27:20), so too do the unbelieving Jews incite the Gentiles against His followers. This pattern of suffering is not a defeat but a fulfillment of Christ's words that His disciples would be hated for His name's sake (John 15:18-20). Yet, even in this opposition, the sovereign plan of God for the spread of His Kingdom through Christ is undeniable. The very persecution that seeks to hinder the Gospel often serves to scatter believers, further spreading the message (Acts 8:1-4). Thus, the "evil affected" minds of the Gentiles, though a manifestation of human sin and spiritual darkness, cannot ultimately thwart the redemptive purpose of God accomplished through the crucified and risen Christ, whose power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The enduring spread of the Gospel, despite such fierce resistance, is a testament to the unstoppable reign of Christ.