Acts 14:2

KJV

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the unbelieving {G544} Jews {G2453} stirred up {G1892} the Gentiles {G1484}, and {G2532} made {G2559} their minds {G5590} evil affected {G2559} against {G2596} the brethren {G80}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:2 follows directly from the initial success of Paul and Barnabas's ministry in Iconium, as described in [Acts 14:1](/acts/14-1 "Acts 14:1 - Paul and Barnabas Preach in Iconium"). There, it is stated that they entered the synagogue and spoke with such power that a "great multitude" of both Jews and Greeks believed. This verse, therefore, introduces the immediate backlash to that success, demonstrating that the rapid spread of the Gospel often provoked strong, organized resistance. It sets the stage for the escalating persecution that eventually forces the apostles to flee Iconium, as detailed in [Acts 14:5-6](/acts/14-5-6 "Acts 14:5-6 - Persecution and Flight from Iconium"). The narrative flow illustrates the dynamic tension between the Gospel's transformative power and the entrenched forces of unbelief and hostility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Iconium was a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey), strategically located on a major trade route. It possessed a substantial Jewish population, as evidenced by the presence of a synagogue, which was typically Paul's first point of evangelism in a new city. The Gentiles mentioned here would have included both native Iconians and resident Greeks, some of whom were "God-fearers" (Gentiles attracted to Judaism but not fully converted) who frequented the synagogue. The "stirring up" of the Gentiles by the unbelieving Jews reflects a common pattern in the early church's mission, where Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus as the Messiah often used their influence within the community to instigate opposition among the broader Gentile populace, sometimes appealing to xenophobia or religious conservatism. This was a tactic to undermine the apostles' credibility and prevent the spread of a message they viewed as heretical or disruptive to their established religious order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several recurring themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Opposition to the Gospel**, demonstrating that the divine truth, while bringing salvation to some, simultaneously hardens others, leading to active hostility, as seen in [Acts 13:45](/acts/13-45 "Acts 13:45 - Jewish Opposition in Pisidian Antioch"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Incitement and Manipulation**, where those resistant to the Gospel actively seek to prejudice public opinion against its messengers, turning potential openness into animosity. This manipulative tactic is a clear example of spiritual warfare. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Perseverance in Persecution**, as Paul and Barnabas, despite facing such malicious opposition, continue to preach and perform signs and wonders, demonstrating the resilience of the early church in the face of adversity (cf. [Acts 14:3](/acts/14-3 "Acts 14:3 - Paul and Barnabas Remain in Iconium")). This resistance foreshadows the suffering that all who live godly in Christ Jesus will experience, a truth articulated in [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godly Living").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unbelieving (Greek, _apeithéō'_):** This word, derived from `ἀπειθής` (apeithēs), means "to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)." It signifies not merely a lack of belief, but an active, deliberate, and often defiant refusal to be persuaded or to obey. In the context of Acts 14:2, it characterizes the Jews who, despite hearing the apostles' powerful message and witnessing its effect, chose to reject it, leading to their active opposition. Their unbelief was not passive ignorance but an intentional hardening of hearts.
* **stirred up (Greek, _epegeírō'_):** From `ἐπί` (epi) and `ἐγείρω` (egeirō), this verb means "to rouse upon" or "to excite against." It conveys a sense of active instigation and provocation. The unbelieving Jews didn't just disagree; they actively incited the Gentiles, mobilizing them into a state of animosity and potentially violence against the Christians. This suggests a deliberate, strategic effort to create public unrest and turn the populace against the apostles.
* **evil affected (Greek, _kakóō'_):** Derived from `κακός` (kakos), this word means "to injure," "to harm," or "to exasperate." When applied to the mind (`ψυχή`, psychē), it means to make ill-disposed, to poison, or to prejudice. The unbelieving Jews successfully corrupted the minds and attitudes of the Gentiles, transforming their initial neutrality or openness into ill-will and hostility toward the "brethren." This was a psychological attack, aiming to malign and undermine the Christian message and its adherents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the unbelieving Jews":** This clause immediately establishes the source of the opposition. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast to the "great multitude" of believers mentioned in [Acts 14:1](/acts/14-1 "Acts 14:1 - Initial Success in Iconium"). The "unbelieving Jews" are those within the Jewish community who, despite hearing the Gospel, wilfully rejected it, distinguishing them from the Jews who believed. This highlights the internal division within the Jewish community regarding the Christian message.
* **"stirred up the Gentiles":** This phrase describes the active and malicious effort of the unbelieving Jews. They were not merely passive disbelievers but became agents of discord. The verb "stirred up" (G1892, _epegeírō_) implies an intentional incitement, a deliberate rousing of hostility among the non-Jewish population. This shows a calculated strategy to turn the wider community against the apostles and their converts.
* **"and made their minds evil affected":** This clause details the outcome of the incitement. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) links the action of stirring up to its successful result. The phrase "made their minds evil affected" (G2559, _kakóō_ with G5590, _psychḗ_) indicates a successful poisoning of the Gentiles' disposition. Their `ψυχή` (psychē), representing their inner being, thoughts, and will, was corrupted, turning their initial openness into ill-will and prejudice.
* **"against the brethren.":** This final clause identifies the target of the hostility: "the brethren" (G80, _adelphós_), referring to the Christian believers, including Paul, Barnabas, and the new converts in Iconium. This clarifies that the animosity was directed specifically at the followers of Christ, indicating that the opposition was fundamentally against the Gospel and its adherents.

#### 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](/acts/14-1 "Acts 14:1 - Initial Belief in Iconium") 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.

* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Righteousness")

### 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
* **How does understanding the deliberate nature of opposition in Acts 14:2 help me process negative reactions to my faith or the Gospel today?**
* **In what ways might "minds be evil affected" against Christians or the church in my contemporary context, and how can I respond constructively?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of perseverance and boldness in sharing my faith, even when facing resistance?**

### 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 (cf. [Acts 13:38-39](/acts/13-38-39 "Acts 13:38-39 - Justification Through Jesus")). 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 (cf. [Acts 15:1-5](/acts/15-1-5 "Acts 15:1-5 - The Jerusalem Council Debate")). 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 (cf. [Acts 14:5](/acts/14-5 "Acts 14:5 - Attempted Stoning in Iconium")).

### 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 (cf. [Matthew 27:20](/matthew/27-20 "Matthew 27:20 - The Crowd Chooses Barabbas")), 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 (cf. [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World Hates Christ's Followers")). 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 (cf. [Acts 8:1-4](/acts/8-1-4 "Acts 8:1-4 - Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel")). 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 (cf. [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")). The enduring spread of the Gospel, despite such fierce resistance, is a testament to the unstoppable reign of Christ.

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 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 21:27

¶ And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Acts 21:30

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

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.

Acts 14:19

¶ 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.

Acts 17:13

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.