Acts 14:27

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

And {G1161} when they were come {G3854}, and {G2532} had gathered {G4863} the church {G1577} together {G4863}, they rehearsed {G312} all {G3745} that God {G2316} had done {G4160} with {G3326} them {G846}, and {G2532} how {G3754} he had opened {G455} the door {G2374} of faith {G4102} unto the Gentiles {G1484}.

When they arrived, they gathered the Messianic community together and reported what God had done through them, that he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Context of Acts 14:27

Acts 14:27 marks the conclusion of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. After enduring persecution, establishing churches, and appointing elders in various cities of Asia Minor, they return to Syrian Antioch, the church that had sent them out. This verse describes their debriefing to the gathered congregation, providing an account of their experiences and, more importantly, God's work through them. It highlights the early church's practice of accountability and shared celebration of God's faithfulness in spreading the Gospel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Missionary Reporting and Accountability: The verse emphasizes the importance of missionaries reporting back to their sending church. This fosters transparency, allows the church to understand the progress of the Gospel, and enables collective prayer and thanksgiving. It demonstrates a healthy relationship between those sent and those who send.
  • God's Sovereignty in Missions: The phrase "all that God had done with them" is crucial. Paul and Barnabas do not boast in their own efforts or successes but attribute all accomplishments to God. They were merely instruments in His hands, underscoring the divine initiative and power behind the expansion of the early church.
  • The "Door of Faith" to the Gentiles: This is arguably the most significant theme. The phrase "how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" signifies a new, unprecedented opportunity for non-Jews to enter into a relationship with God through belief in Jesus Christ. This was a revolutionary concept for many Jewish believers and a core message of Paul's ministry. It directly foreshadows the discussions at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, where the inclusion of Gentiles would be formally affirmed.

Linguistic Insights

The metaphor of "opened the door of faith" (Greek: thyran pisteōs, θύραν πίστεως) is powerful. A "door" (thyra) represents access, opportunity, or entrance. In this context, it signifies that God Himself had created the way for Gentiles to embrace faith in Christ, removing barriers that previously existed (such as the necessity of full adherence to Mosaic Law, including circumcision, for salvation). This was a divine act, not merely human persuasion or effort.

Practical Application

Acts 14:27 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Celebrate God's Work: We should regularly reflect on and share how God is working in our lives, communities, and ministries. Sharing testimonies encourages faith and glorifies God.
  • Acknowledge God's Sovereignty: Any success in spreading the Gospel or seeing lives transformed is ultimately God's doing. We are merely His willing vessels. This perspective cultivates humility and dependence on Him.
  • Embrace Inclusivity: The "door of faith" remains open to all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status. The Gospel is universal, and the church should reflect this open invitation to salvation found in John 3:16.
  • Support Missions: This verse reminds us of the vital role of local churches in sending and supporting missionaries, and of the importance of receiving and celebrating their reports upon their return.
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.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:9

    For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

  • Acts 15:12

    Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

  • Colossians 4:3

    Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    ¶ Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

  • 1 Corinthians 5:4

    In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • John 9:10

    Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

  • Revelation 3:7

    And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

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