Acts 14:21

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,

And {G5037} when they had preached the gospel {G2097} to that {G1565} city {G4172}, and {G2532} had taught {G3100} many {G2425}, they returned again {G5290} to {G1519} Lystra {G3082}, and {G2532} to Iconium {G2430}, and {G2532} Antioch {G490},

After proclaiming the Good News in that city and making many people into talmidim, they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,

They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Acts 14:21 provides a concise summary of Paul and Barnabas's activities in Derbe and their courageous decision to revisit cities where they had faced severe persecution during their First Missionary Journey. This verse highlights their unwavering commitment to the gospel and the fledgling churches they established.

Context

This verse immediately follows a dramatic incident in Lystra, where Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). After miraculously recovering, he and Barnabas traveled to Derbe, a city further east. In Derbe, they successfully "preached the gospel" and "taught many," indicating a period of fruitful ministry without the intense opposition experienced elsewhere. The decision to return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (of Pisidia) was remarkably bold, as these were places where they had been persecuted, threatened, or expelled. This return trip was not a retreat but a deliberate act of strengthening the new believers and organizing the churches.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Perseverance: Paul and Barnabas exemplify extraordinary courage and resilience. Instead of avoiding dangerous areas, they deliberately returned to places where their lives were threatened to nurture the seeds of faith they had planted. This demonstrates a deep commitment to the spiritual well-being of new converts, prioritizing discipleship over personal safety.
  • Effective Evangelism and Discipleship: The phrase "preached the gospel" (Greek: euangelizō, meaning to proclaim good news) signifies their initial outreach, while "taught many" (Greek: didaskō, meaning to instruct or disciple) underscores the comprehensive nature of their ministry. They weren't just making converts but were investing in their spiritual growth, aligning with the broader commission to make disciples of all nations, teaching them.
  • Strengthening the Early Church: Their return visit was crucial for consolidating the nascent Christian communities. It provided encouragement, further instruction, and likely the appointment of elders, as described in the subsequent verses (Acts 14:23). This commitment to follow-up and church organization was vital for the spread and stability of the early church.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "preached the gospel" is euangelizō, from which we get "evangelize." It conveys the active proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. The term "taught" is didaskō, which implies instruction, training, and discipleship, highlighting that their mission went beyond initial conversion to include the ongoing spiritual formation of believers.

Practical Application

Acts 14:21 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the nature of Christian ministry and discipleship:

  • Courage in the Face of Adversity: We are called to persevere in sharing the gospel and living out our faith, even when it is difficult or unpopular. The example of Paul and Barnabas encourages us to be bold and not shrink back from challenges.
  • Importance of Discipleship: True evangelism is not just about initial conversion but also about teaching, nurturing, and equipping new believers to grow in their faith. This involves ongoing support, instruction, and community building.
  • Commitment to the Local Church: The apostles' return to strengthen the churches emphasizes the vital role of local congregations in the Christian life. Believers are called to support and build up their local church community, fostering an environment where spiritual growth can flourish.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 13:51

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

  • Acts 14:1

    ¶ 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.

  • 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:

  • Matthew 28:19

    Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

  • Acts 13:14

    ¶ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

  • 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.
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