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Commentary on Acts 14 verses 19–28
We have here a further account of the services and sufferings of Paul and Barnabas.
I. How Paul was stoned and left for dead, but miraculously came to himself again, Act 14:19, Act 14:20. They fell upon Paul rather than Barnabas, because Paul, being the chief speaker, galled and vexed them more than Barnabas did. Now observe here, 1. How the people were incensed against Paul; not by any injury they pretended he had done them (if they took it for an affront that he would not let them misplace divine honours upon him, when they considered themselves they would easily forgive him that wrong), but there came certain Jews from Antioch, hearing, it is likely, and vexed to hear, what respect was shown to Paul and Barnabas at Lystra; and they incensed the people against them, as factious, seditious, dangerous persons, not fit to be harboured. See how restless the rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Christ; they could not bear that it should have footing any where. 2. To what degree they were incensed by these barbarous Jews: they were irritated to such a degree that the mob rose and stoned Paul, not by a judicial sentence, but in a popular tumult; they threw stones at him, with which they knocked him down, and then drew him out of the city, as one not fit to live in it, or drew him out upon a sledge or in a cart, to bury him, supposing he had been dead. So strong is the bias of the corrupt and carnal heart to that which is evil, even in contrary extremes, that, as it is with great difficulty that men are restrained from evil on one side, so it is with great ease that they are persuaded to evil on the other side. See how fickle and mutable the minds of carnal worldly people are, that do not know and consider things. Those that but the other day would have treated the apostles as more than men now treat them as worse than brutes, as the worst of men, as the worst of male-factors. Today Hosanna, tomorrow Crucify; today sacrificed to, tomorrow sacrificed. We have an instance of a change the other way, ch. 28. This man is a murderer, Act 28:4; no doubt he is a god, Act 28:6. Popular breath turns like the wind. If Paul would have been Mercury, he might have been enthroned, nay, he might have been enshrined; but, if he will be a faithful minister of Christ, he shall be stoned, and thrown out of the city. Thus those who easily submit to strong delusions hate to receive the truth in the love of it. 3. How he was delivered by the power of God: When he was drawn out of the city, the disciples stood round about him, Act 28:20. It seems there were some here at Lystra that became disciples, that found the mean between deifying the apostles and rejecting them; and even these new converts had courage to own Paul when he was thus run down, though they had reason enough to fear that the same that stoned him would stone them for owning him. They stood round about him, as a guard to him against the further outrage of the people - stood about him to see whether he were alive or dead; and all of a sudden he rose up. Though he was not dead, yet he was ill crushed and bruised, no doubt, and fainted away; he was in a deliquium, so that it was not without a miracle that he came so soon to himself, and was so well as to be able to go into the city. Note, God's faithful servants, though they may be brought within a step of death, and may be looked upon as dead both by friends and enemies, shall not die as long as he has work for them to do. They are cast down, but not destroyed, Co2 4:9.
II. How they went on with their work, notwithstanding the opposition they met with. All the stones they threw at Paul could not beat him off from his work: They drew him out of the city (Act 14:19), but, as one that set them at defiance, he came into the city again, to show that he did not fear them; none even of these things move him. However, their being persecuted here is a known indication to them to seek for opportunities of usefulness elsewhere, and therefore for the present they quit Lystra.
1.They went to break up and sow fresh ground at Derbe. Thither the next day Paul and Barnabas departed, a city not far off; there they preached the gospel, there they taught many, Act 14:21. And it should seem that Timothy was of that city, and was one of the disciples that now attended Paul, had met him at Antioch and accompanied him in all this circuit; for, with reference to this story, Paul tells him how fully he had known the afflictions he endured at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, Ti2 3:10, Ti2 3:11. Nothing is recorded that happened at Derbe.
2.They returned, and went over their work again, watering what they had sown; and, having staid as long as they thought fit at Derbe, they came back to Lystra, to Iconium, and Antioch, the cities where they had preached, Act 14:21. Now, as we have had a very instructive account of the methods they took in laying the foundation, and beginning the good work, so here we have the like of their building upon that foundation, and carrying on that good work. Let us see what they did,
(1.)They confirmed the souls of the disciples; that is, they inculcated that upon them which was proper to confirm them, Act 14:22. Young converts are apt to waver, and a little thing shocks them. Their old acquaintances beg they will not leave them. Those that they look upon to be wiser than themselves set before them the absurdity, indecency, and danger, of a change. They were allured, by the prospect of preferment, to stick to the traditions of their fathers; they are frightened with the danger of swimming against the stream. All this tempts them to think of making a retreat in time; but the apostles come and tell them that this is the true grace of God wherein they stand, and therefore they must stand to it that there is no danger like that of losing their part in Christ, no advantage like that of keeping their hold of him; that, whatever their trials may be, they shall have strength from Christ to pass through them; and, whatever their losses may be, they shall be abundantly recompensed. And this confirms the souls of the disciples; it fortifies their pious resolutions, in the strength of Christ, to adhere to Christ whatever it may cost them. Note, [1.] Those that are converted need to be confirmed; those that are planted need to be rooted. Ministers' work is to establish saints as well as to awaken sinners. Non minor est virtus quam quoerere parta tueri - To retain is sometimes as difficult as to acquire. Those that were instructed in the truth must know the certainty of the things in which they have been instructed; and those that are resolved must be fixed in their resolutions. [2.] True confirmation is confirmation of the soul; it is not binding the body by severe penalties on apostates, but binding the soul. The best ministers can do this only by pressing those things which are proper to bind the soul; it is the grace of God, and nothing less, that can effectually confirm the souls of the disciples, and prevent their apostasy.
(2.)They exhorted them to continue in the faith; or, as it may be read, they encouraged them. They told them it was both their duty and interest to persevere; to abide in the belief of Christ's being the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world. Note, Those that are in the faith are concerned to continue in the faith, notwithstanding all the temptations they may be under to desert it, from the smiles or frowns of this world. And it is requisite that they should often be exhorted to do so. Those that are continually surrounded with temptations to apostasy have need to be continually attended with pressing exhortations to perseverance.
(3.)That which they insisted most upon was that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Not only they must, but we must; it must be counted upon that all who will go to heaven must expect tribulation and persecution in their way thither. But is this the way to confirm the souls of the disciples, and to engage them to continue in the faith? One would think it would rather shock them, and make them weary. No, as the matter is fairly stated and taken entire, it will help to confirm them, and fix them for Christ. It is true they will meet with tribulation, with much tribulation; that is the worst of it: but then, [1.] It is so appointed. They must undergo it, there is no remedy, the matter is already fixed, and cannot be altered. He that has the sovereign disposal of us has determined it to be our lot that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus should suffer persecution; and he that has the sovereign command over us has determined this to be our duty, that all that will be Christ's disciples must take up their cross. When we gave up our names to Jesus Christ it was what we agreed to; when we sat down and counted the cost, if we reckoned aright, it was what we counted upon; so that if tribulation and persecution arise because of the word it is but what we had notice of before, it must be so: he performeth the thing that is appointed for us. The matter is fixed unalterably; and shall the rock be for us removed out of its place? [2.] It is the lot of the leaders in Christ's army, as well as of the soldiers. It is not only you, but we, that (if it be thought a hardship) are subject to it; therefore, as your own sufferings must not be a stumbling-block to you, so neither must ours; see Th1 3:3. Let none be moved by our afflictions, for you yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. As Christ did not put the apostles upon any harder service than what he underwent before them, so neither did the apostles put the ordinary Christians. [3.] It is true we must count upon much tribulation, but this is encouraging, that we shall get through it; we shall not be lost and perish in it. It is a Red Sea, but the Lord has opened a way through it, for the redeemed of the Lord to pass over. We must go down to trouble, but we shall come up again. [4.] We shall not only get through it, but get through it into the kingdom of God; and the joy and glory of the end will make abundant amends for all the difficulties and hardships we may meet with in the way. It is true we must go by the cross, but it is as true that if we keep in the way, and do not turn aside nor turn back, we shall go to the crown, and the believing prospect of this will make the tribulation easy and pleasant.
(4.)They ordained them elders, or presbyters, in every church. Now at this second visit they settled them in some order, formed them into religious societies under the guidance of a settled ministry, and settled that distinction between those that are taught in the word and those that teach. [1.] Every church had its governors or presidents, whose office it was to pray with the members of the church, and to preach to them in their solemn assemblies, to administer all gospel ordinances to them, and to take the oversight of them, to instruct the ignorant, warn the unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, and convince gainsayers. It is requisite that every particular church should have one or more such to preside in it. [2.] Those governors were then elders, that had in their qualification the wisdom and gravity of seniors, and had in their commission the authority and command of seniors: not to make new laws (this is the prerogative of the Prince, the great Lawgiver; the government of the church is an absolute monarchy, and the legislative power entirely in Christ), but to see to the observance and execution of the laws Christ has made; and so far they are to be obeyed and submitted to. [3.] These elders were ordained. The qualifications of such as were proposed or proposed themselves (whether the apostles or the people put them up) were judged of by the apostles, as most fit to judge; and they, having devoted themselves, were solemnly set apart to the work of the ministry, and bound to it. [4.] These elders were ordained to them, to the disciples, to their service, for their good. Those that are in the faith have need to be built up in it, and have need of the elders' help therein - the pastors and teachers, who are to edify the body of Christ.
(5.)By prayer joined with fasting they commended them to the Lord, to the Lord Jesus, on whom they believed. Note, [1.] Even when persons are brought to believe, and that sincerely, yet ministers' care concerning them is not over; there is need of watching over them still, instructing and admonishing them still; there is still that lacking in their faith which needs to be perfected. [2.] The ministers that take most care of those that believe must after all commend them to the Lord, and put them under the protection and guidance of his grace: Lord, keep them through thine own name. To his custody they must commit themselves, and their ministers must commit them. [3.] It is by prayer that they must be commended to the Lord. Christ, in his prayer (Jn. 17), commended his disciples to his Father: Thine they were, and thou gavest them to me. Father, keep them. [4.] It is a great encouragement to us, in commending the disciples to the Lord, that we can say, "It is he in whom they believed; we commit to him those who have committed themselves to him, and who know they have believed in one who is able to keep what they and we have committed to him against that day," Ti2 1:12. [5.] It is good to join fasting with prayer, in token of our humiliation for sin, and in order to add vigour to our prayers. [6.] When we are parting with our friends, the best farewell is to commend them to the Lord, and to leave them with him.
3.They went on preaching the gospel in other places where they had been, but, as it should seem had not made so many converts as that now at their return they could form them into churches; therefore thither they came to pursue and carry on conversion-work. From Antioch they passed through Pisidia, the province in which that Antioch stood; thence they came into the province of Pamphylia, the head-city of which was Perga, where they had been before (Act 13:13), and came thither again to preach the word (Act 14:25), making a second offer, to see if they were now better disposed than they were before to receive the gospel. What success they had there we are not told, but that thence they went down to Attalia, a city of Pamphylia, on the sea-coast. They staid not long at a place, but wherever they came endeavoured to lay a foundation which might afterwards be built upon, and to sow the seeds which would in time produce a great increase. Now Christ's parables were explained, in which he compared the kingdom of heaven to a little leaven, which in time leavened the whole lump - to a grain of mustard-seed, which, though very inconsiderable at first, grew to a great tree - and to the seed which a man sowed in his ground, and it sprung up he knew not how.
III. How they at length came back to Antioch in Syria, whence they had been sent forth upon this expedition. From Attalia they came by sea to Antioch, Act 14:26. And we are here told,
1.Why they came thither: because thence they had been recommended to the grace of God, and such a value did they put upon a solemn recommendation to the grace of God, though they had themselves a great interest in heaven, that they never thought they could show respect enough to those who had so recommended them. The brethren having recommended them to the grace of God, for the work which they fulfilled, now that they had fulfilled it they thought they owed them an account of it, that they might help them by their praises, as they had been helped by their prayers.
2.What account they gave them of their negociation (Act 14:27): They gathered the church together. It is probable that there were more Christians at Antioch than ordinarily met, or could meet, in one place, but on this occasion they called together the leading men of them; as the heads of the tribes are often called the congregation of Israel, so the ministers and principal members of the church at Antioch are called the church. Or perhaps as many of the people as the place would hold came together on this occasion. Or some met at one time, or in one place, and others at another. But when they had called them together, they gave them an account of two things - (1.) Of the tokens they had had of the divine presence with them in their labours: They rehearsed all that God had done with them. They did not tell what they had done (this would have savoured of vain-glory), but what God had done with them and by them. Note, The praise of all the little good we do at any time must be ascribed to God; for it is he that not only worketh in us both to will and to do, but then worketh with us to make what we do successful. God's grace can do any thing without ministers' preaching; but ministers' preaching, even Paul's, can do nothing without God's grace; and the operations of that grace must be acknowledged in the efficacy of the word. (2.) Of the fruit of their labours among the heathen. They told how God had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles; had not only ordered them to be invited to the gospel feast, but had inclined the hearts of many of them to accept the invitation. Note, [1.] There is no entering into the kingdom of Christ but by the door of faith; we must firmly believe in Christ, or we have no part in him. [2.] It is God that opens the door of faith, that opens to us the truths we are to believe, opens our hearts to receive them, and makes this a wide door, and an effectual, into the church of Christ. [3.] We have reason to be thankful that God has opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, has both sent them his gospel, which is made known to all nations for the obedience of faith (Rom 16:26), and has also given them hearts to entertain the gospel. Thus the gospel was spread, and it shone more and more, and none was able to shut this door which God had opened; not all the powers of hell and earth.
3.How they disposed of themselves for the present: There they abode a long time with the disciples (Act 14:28), longer than perhaps at first they intended, not because they feared their enemies, but because they loved their friends, and were loth to part from them.
"And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: and thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled." Why do they come back to Antioch? To report what had taken place yonder. And besides, there is a great purpose of Providence concerned: for it was needful that they should thenceforth preach with boldness to the Gentiles. They come therefore, reporting these things, that they may be able to know them: and it is providentially ordered, that just then came those who forbade to keep company with the Gentiles in order that from Jerusalem they might obtain great encouragement, and so go their ways with boldness. And besides, it shows that in their temper there was nothing of self-will: for they come, at the same time showing their boldness, in that without the authority of those at Jerusalem they had preached to the Gentiles, and their obedience, in that they refer the matter to them: for they were not made arrogant, as having achieved so great successes. "Whence," it says, "they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled." And yet moreover the Spirit had said, "Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
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SUMMARY
Acts 14:25 succinctly chronicles a significant moment in the conclusion of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, detailing their final evangelistic stop in Perga, where they proclaimed the Gospel, before descending to the coastal city of Attalia, from which they would embark on their return voyage to Antioch. This verse marks the strategic completion of a major phase of their apostolic labor, emphasizing their persistent commitment to spreading the divine message even as their arduous travels drew to a close.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Acts 14:25 is situated at the very end of the account of Paul and Barnabas's groundbreaking first missionary journey, which began in Acts 13:1. Following their extensive work establishing churches and strengthening new believers in the cities of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (as recounted in Acts 14:1-23), the apostles began their strategic return journey. Instead of a direct route back to their sending church in Syrian Antioch, they purposefully retraced their steps, revisiting the nascent congregations to "strengthen the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith". Perga, a city in the region of Pamphylia, was a place they had previously passed through without preaching on their outward journey (Acts 13:13), but now, in a demonstration of thoroughness and commitment, they stopped to proclaim the word. This verse sets the stage for their imminent departure from Attalia and their subsequent report to the church in Antioch, which is detailed in Acts 14:26-28.
Historical & Cultural Context: Perga was an important city in the Roman province of Pamphylia, located a few miles inland from the Mediterranean coast. It was known for its temple dedicated to Artemis (the Roman Diana), a significant pagan cult center. The apostles' decision to preach there on their return journey, having previously bypassed it, suggests a strategic re-evaluation or perhaps a new opportunity. Attalia, on the other hand, was a bustling port city on the Mediterranean coast, founded by Attalus II Philadelphus, king of Pergamum, in the 2nd century BCE. It served as a vital maritime hub, connecting inland regions to the broader Mediterranean world. For missionaries like Paul and Barnabas, port cities were indispensable for travel, providing access to sea routes for long-distance journeys. Their descent from inland Perga to coastal Attalia reflects the typical travel patterns of the time, utilizing established Roman roads to reach a major port for their sea voyage back to Antioch. This choice underscores the practical logistical considerations inherent in their spiritual mission.
Key Themes: Acts 14:25 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies Persistent Evangelism, demonstrating Paul and Barnabas's unwavering commitment to proclaiming the Gospel ("preached the word") even at the culmination of a lengthy and challenging missionary endeavor. Their stop in Perga, a city previously passed over, highlights the principle of seizing every opportunity for evangelism. Secondly, the verse illustrates Strategic Planning in Ministry. Their deliberate route, revisiting cities to strengthen new believers (Acts 14:22) and then utilizing a major port like Attalia for their return, reveals a thoughtful and organized approach to missionary work, balancing spiritual fervor with practical logistics. Finally, this verse signifies the Completion of a Phase in the early church's expansion. It marks the successful conclusion of the first major Gentile outreach, paving the way for the apostles to report back to their sending church and for the church to reflect on the burgeoning mission to the Gentiles, a theme central to Acts 15.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Acts 14:25 employs several literary devices, primarily Conciseness and Geographical Detail, to efficiently convey significant information. The verse is remarkably brief, yet it encapsulates a completed evangelistic act and a strategic logistical movement, demonstrating Luke's skill in narrative compression. The mention of specific place names, Perga and Attalia, serves as Geographical Markers, grounding the narrative in real-world locations and lending historical verisimilitude to the account. This precise naming also highlights the intentionality of the apostles' itinerary, showing a deliberate progression towards their return destination. Furthermore, the phrase "preached the word" functions as a form of Metonymy, where "the word" stands for the entire Gospel message and the act of evangelism, succinctly summarizing their core activity without needing to detail the content of their sermons.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:25, though brief, powerfully encapsulates the essence of the early Christian mission: the unceasing proclamation of the Gospel and the strategic, Spirit-led movement of God's messengers. It underscores the divine imperative to make the "word" known in every accessible place, demonstrating that the mission is not merely about initial outreach but also about thoroughness and follow-through. The apostles' journey, culminating in a final preaching stop before returning home, reflects a holistic understanding of evangelism that embraces both the sowing of the seed and the strategic planning required for the ongoing expansion of God's kingdom. This verse serves as a reminder that every step of the missionary journey, from the initial call to the final return, is under God's sovereign hand, fulfilling His purposes for the spread of the Good News.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:25, though a simple travel note, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider our own commitment to the ongoing mission of God. Just as Paul and Barnabas "preached the word" even at the very end of an arduous journey, we are called to be persistent in sharing the Gospel in our daily lives, seizing every opportunity, whether in familiar or new contexts. This verse reminds us that ministry is not confined to specific events or locations but is an integrated part of our journey, requiring both spiritual fervor and practical wisdom. Our "going down into Attalia" moments, whether they are transitions in life, the completion of projects, or simply the end of a long day, can still be opportunities for God's purposes to be fulfilled through our faithfulness. It encourages us to view every step, every interaction, and every transition as part of God's larger plan for the advancement of His kingdom, trusting that even the most mundane details of our lives can be used for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Paul and Barnabas preach in Perga on their return journey, when they seemed to have bypassed it on their way out?
Answer: The biblical text in Acts 13:13 states that when they first arrived in Perga, John Mark left them, and they "departed from Perga." It does not explicitly state they preached there. Scholars suggest several reasons for this initial bypass: perhaps the city was unhealthy due to malaria, or they were in a hurry to reach Antioch in Pisidia, a more strategic center for their initial outreach. Their decision to preach in Perga on the return journey (Acts 14:25) indicates a deliberate change in strategy. It could be that they now had more time, felt a specific leading from the Holy Spirit, or recognized an open door for the Gospel that was not apparent before. This demonstrates their flexibility and commitment to proclaiming the word wherever opportunity arose, even revisiting previously untouched areas.
What was the significance of Attalia for Paul and Barnabas's journey?
Answer: Attalia was a crucial port city on the Mediterranean coast in the region of Pamphylia. Its significance for Paul and Barnabas was primarily logistical. After completing their evangelistic work in the inland cities, including their final stop in Perga, they needed a major port from which to secure passage by sea back to their home church in Antioch of Syria (Acts 14:26). Attalia served as this vital maritime connection, allowing them to conclude their extensive first missionary journey efficiently and safely, preparing them to report on the "door of faith" God had opened to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:25, though a seemingly simple travelogue entry, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing mission of the Church to proclaim the "word" which is ultimately Jesus Christ Himself. Paul and Barnabas "preached the word," and this "word" is not merely a set of doctrines but the living person of Jesus, the Logos who was with God and was God, and who became flesh and dwelt among us. Their journey, marked by both strategic planning and Spirit-led obedience, mirrors Christ's own mission to seek and save the lost, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection. The very act of "preaching the word" is a continuation of Christ's commission to His disciples to be His witnesses "to the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Every place where the Gospel is proclaimed, from Perga to the ends of the earth, is a testament to the ongoing work of the ascended Christ through His body, the Church, ensuring that repentance and forgiveness of sins are proclaimed in His name to all nations. Thus, this verse subtly points to the enduring power and reach of Christ's redemptive work, extended through the faithful obedience of His followers.