Acts 14:20

KJV

Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {G1161}, as the disciples {G3101} stood round about {G2944} him {G846}, he rose up {G450}, and came {G1525} into {G1519} the city {G4172}: and {G2532} the next day {G1887} he departed {G1831} with {G4862} Barnabas {G921} to {G1519} Derbe {G1191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But as the talmidim gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day, he left with Bar-Nabba for Derbe.

Berean Standard Bible

But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

American Standard Version

But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and entered into the city: and on the morrow he went forth with Barnabas to Derbe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:20 recounts the astonishing recovery of the Apostle Paul after being stoned and left for dead in Lystra. Despite the brutal attack, Paul miraculously rose up, re-entered the city, and then, on the very next day, departed with Barnabas for Derbe, demonstrating divine protection, remarkable resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his missionary calling. This pivotal moment underscores the supernatural power at work in the early church and the steadfast determination of its apostles in the face of extreme persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and violent events of [Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned in Lystra"), where hostile Jews from Antioch and Iconium, having swayed the fickle crowd of Lystra, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, presuming him to be dead. The narrative in Acts 14:20 serves as a powerful and abrupt turning point, shifting from Paul's near-fatal persecution to his miraculous revival and immediate resumption of ministry. It highlights the divine intervention that allowed Paul to continue his first missionary journey, which had seen both great successes and intense opposition, as detailed throughout [Acts 13-14](/acts/13-14 "Acts 13-14 - Paul's First Missionary Journey"). The verse sets the stage for Paul and Barnabas to preach the gospel in Derbe before beginning their return journey, strengthening the churches they had established, as recounted in [Acts 14:21-28](/acts/14-21-28 "Acts 14:21-28 - Return Journey and Report").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lystra was a Roman colony in the region of Lycaonia, part of the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey). While a Roman colony, it had a mixed population, including some Jews, but was predominantly Gentile. The act of stoning was a method of capital punishment, particularly for blasphemy, prescribed by Jewish law. Dragging a body outside the city walls was a common practice to signify execution and disposal, emphasizing the attackers' intent to ensure Paul's death. Travel in this era was primarily on foot, often arduous and dangerous, especially across rugged terrain. Paul's ability to "rise up" and then immediately travel to Derbe, another city in Lycaonia further east, speaks volumes about the extraordinary nature of his recovery. This journey was part of a larger pattern of missionary expansion, pushing the boundaries of the gospel into new territories, often encountering significant resistance from both Jewish and Gentile populations.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 14:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Protection and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's purposes for His servants will prevail despite human opposition and extreme violence. Paul's survival is a testament to God's power to preserve His messengers for the completion of their appointed tasks. Secondly, it exemplifies **Resilience and Perseverance in Ministry**, highlighting Paul's unwavering commitment to the gospel even in the face of life-threatening persecution. His immediate return to the city and subsequent departure for Derbe underscore a resolve that would later be articulated in his letters, such as his list of sufferings in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings"), which specifically mentions being stoned. Thirdly, the presence of "the disciples" emphasizes the **Importance of Christian Community and Discipleship**, as their concern and presence likely provided comfort and perhaps even prayer, underscoring the communal support vital for enduring hardship. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Unstoppable Advance of the Gospel**, as Paul's mission was not halted by persecution but rather propelled forward, fulfilling the mandate given in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From G3101, meaning "a learner, i.e. pupil." In this context, it refers to those who had embraced the teachings of Jesus and become followers of Paul and Barnabas's ministry in Lystra. Their presence "round about him" signifies their loyalty, concern, and perhaps their witnessing of the miraculous recovery, underscoring the nascent Christian community's support and solidarity in a moment of crisis.
* **rose up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** From G450, meaning "to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)." This verb conveys a sudden, decisive, and complete action of rising from a prone position. Given that Paul was presumed dead and dragged out of the city, this "rising up" is presented as an extraordinary, divinely empowered act, far beyond a mere regaining of consciousness. It implies a full restoration of strength and vitality, enabling immediate action.
* **departed (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** From G1831, meaning "to issue (literally or figuratively)." This word signifies the act of leaving a place, often with a sense of purpose or mission. In Paul's case, his departure "the next day" highlights his remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication. Despite the severe trauma, he did not linger or recuperate extensively but immediately continued his evangelistic journey, demonstrating that persecution would not deter him from his divine calling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him":** This introductory clause sets the scene, emphasizing the immediate aftermath of Paul's stoning. The presence of the disciples, those who had believed in the message Paul preached, suggests their deep concern, perhaps their prayers, and their role as witnesses to the extraordinary event that followed. Their gathering around Paul signifies communal support and solidarity in the face of adversity.
* **"he rose up, and came into the city":** This is the dramatic core of the verse. Paul, having been left for dead outside the city, performs an act of miraculous recovery. His "rising up" is presented as an instantaneous and complete restoration. Even more astonishing, he immediately re-enters the very city where he had just been brutally attacked. This act is a profound display of courage, divine empowerment, and an unyielding commitment to his mission, directly defying the intentions of his persecutors. It serves as a powerful testimony to both believers and unbelievers in Lystra.
* **"and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe":** This final clause underscores Paul's indomitable spirit and God's sustaining power. Despite the recent life-threatening ordeal, Paul does not rest for long. His departure "the next day" with his faithful companion Barnabas to Derbe, the next city on their missionary itinerary, demonstrates his unwavering focus on spreading the gospel. It shows that even extreme persecution could not deter him from fulfilling his apostolic mandate.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 14:20 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between the previous verse, where Paul is left for dead, and this verse, where he miraculously rises and re-enters the city. This creates a dramatic effect, highlighting the supernatural nature of his recovery. The event itself functions as a **Miracle**, demonstrating divine intervention and God's protective hand over His servant. Paul's rising from what was presumed to be death can also be seen as **Symbolism**, echoing the resurrection of Christ and the power of the gospel to overcome even the ultimate enemy, death. This symbolic resonance underscores the life-giving power inherent in the message Paul preaches. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Paul's attackers believe they have silenced him permanently, yet he not only survives but immediately returns to the scene of their violence, demonstrating their ultimate failure to thwart God's plans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:20 stands as a profound testament to the power of God to preserve His servants and advance His kingdom despite intense opposition. The miraculous recovery of Paul, who was left for dead, underscores the theological truth that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human malice or physical suffering. This event resonates with the broader biblical theme of divine preservation, where God protects His chosen instruments for the completion of their divine assignments. It also highlights the cost of discipleship and the unwavering commitment required of those who preach the gospel. Paul's immediate resumption of his journey, rather than retreating, serves as a powerful example of perseverance in the face of adversity, demonstrating that the mission of Christ's church is not predicated on comfort or safety, but on faithfulness to the call. This passage encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign hand even amidst the direst circumstances, knowing that His strength is made perfect in weakness.

* [2 Corinthians 11:25](/2_corinthians/11-25 "Paul's Sufferings: Stoned")
* [Philippians 1:28](/philippians/1-28 "Suffering for Christ")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:20 offers profound encouragement and challenging insights for believers today. Paul's experience reminds us that faithfulness to Christ may involve significant suffering and opposition, but it also assures us of God's miraculous power and protection. We are called to cultivate a resilience that mirrors Paul's, refusing to be deterred from our God-given mission by setbacks, criticism, or even physical hardship. This passage also highlights the invaluable role of Christian community; the disciples "standing round about him" signifies the comfort, prayer, and solidarity that can sustain believers in their darkest hours. It prompts us to consider how we can be that supportive community for others, especially those facing spiritual or physical attacks for their faith. Ultimately, Paul's immediate return to the city and subsequent departure for Derbe challenges us to prioritize the advance of the gospel above personal comfort or safety, trusting that God will empower us to fulfill His purposes, even when the path is fraught with danger.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's miraculous recovery and immediate return to ministry challenge your own understanding of perseverance in the face of adversity?**
* **In what ways can you "stand round about" fellow believers who are experiencing hardship or persecution for their faith today?**
* **What "Derbe"—what next step in your spiritual journey or ministry—is God calling you to pursue, even if it seems daunting after a period of difficulty?**

### FAQ

**Was Paul truly dead or just unconscious when he was stoned in Lystra?**

Answer: While the text states that Paul was "presumed... dead" and "dragged him out of the city," his immediate and complete recovery, rising up and entering the city, strongly suggests a miraculous intervention beyond mere unconsciousness. The narrative implies a divine act of restoration, akin to resurrection, rather than a natural recovery. This aligns with other miraculous healings and resurrections in Acts, such as [Peter raising Dorcas](/acts/9-36-43 "Peter Raises Dorcas") or [Paul raising Eutychus](/acts/20-7-12 "Paul Raises Eutychus"), underscoring the supernatural power at work through the apostles.

**Why did Paul return to the city after being stoned and left for dead?**

Answer: Paul's immediate return "into the city" demonstrates his extraordinary courage, unwavering faith, and commitment to the gospel. It was a bold act of defiance against those who sought to silence him, showing that their violence could not deter God's mission. It also served as a powerful testimony to the Lystrans, confirming the divine power at work through him, as he was seen by the very people who had just attacked him. This act underscores his later statement that he considered his life as nothing if he could [complete his race and the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - Paul's Dedication"). His return was a declaration that the gospel could not be stopped.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:20, with Paul's miraculous rising from near-death, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the resurrection of Jesus Himself. Just as Paul was left for dead but rose again by divine power, Christ truly died and was raised by the power of God, conquering sin and death once and for all. Paul's experience, therefore, serves as a powerful echo of the resurrection that is central to the Christian faith, a testament to the life-giving power that flows from the resurrected Lord. Furthermore, Paul's unwavering commitment to continue his mission despite suffering mirrors Christ's steadfast resolve to fulfill His Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). Paul's suffering for the gospel is a participation in the sufferings of Christ, enabling him to know Christ and the power of His resurrection ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and His Suffering")). The divine protection Paul experienced points to the greater truth that in Christ, believers are secure, and no power, not even death, can separate them from God's love ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love")). Paul's immediate departure to Derbe, unhindered by persecution, illustrates the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom through the gospel, a mission empowered by the resurrected Christ who commanded His disciples to [go and make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

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 1:9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2 Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

2 Corinthians 6:9

As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

Acts 16:40

And they went out of the prison, and entered into [the house of] Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Acts 20:1

¶ And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto [him] the disciples, and embraced [them], and departed for to go into Macedonia.

Acts 14:6

They were ware of [it], and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

Acts 20:9

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.