Acts 14:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon their return to Syrian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas convened the local church, providing a comprehensive report of their first missionary journey. This pivotal account centered not on their own accomplishments, but on the miraculous works God had performed through them, culminating in the profound declaration that God Himself had "opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." This verse encapsulates the triumphant expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins, signifying a new era of inclusivity in God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:27 serves as the triumphant conclusion to Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, which began in [Acts 13:1](/acts/13-1 "Acts 13:1 - Paul and Barnabas Sent Out"). Following their extensive travels through Cyprus and various cities in Asia Minor—including Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe—where they preached the Gospel, established churches, appointed elders, and endured significant persecution, their return to Syrian Antioch is a homecoming. This verse marks the debriefing of their mission to the sending church, setting the stage for the theological discussions that will inevitably arise regarding Gentile inclusion, culminating in the [Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Syrian Antioch was a vibrant, multi-ethnic Christian community, distinct from the more Jewish-centric church in Jerusalem. It was the primary sending church for Gentile missions, a crucial hub for the early Christian movement. The concept of "Gentiles" (non-Jews) entering God's covenant people without full adherence to Mosaic Law (especially circumcision) was a revolutionary idea, often met with resistance from some Jewish believers. Paul and Barnabas's report directly addressed this, providing eyewitness testimony to God's active work among the uncircumcised, challenging deeply ingrained cultural and religious boundaries prevalent in the 1st-century Jewish world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty in Missions**, emphasizing that the expansion of the church is primarily God's work, not merely human effort, as seen in the phrase "all that God had done with them." Secondly, it highlights the **Inclusion of the Gentiles** as a central tenet of the new covenant, a theme foreshadowed in the Old Testament and explicitly unveiled through Christ's ministry and the apostles' work. This "door of faith" signifies the accessibility of salvation to all peoples, directly fulfilling the promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Finally, it illustrates the **Accountability and Fellowship within the Early Church**, as missionaries reported back to their sending congregation, fostering unity, shared vision, and collective worship for God's faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From a compound of _ek_ (out of) and _kaleō_ (to call), this term literally means "a calling out." In this context, it refers to a specific religious congregation, the Christian community in Syrian Antioch. It signifies a gathered assembly of believers, called out by God from the world to be His people, demonstrating the nascent but organized nature of the early Christian movement.
* **rehearsed (Greek, _anangéllō'_):** Derived from _ana_ (up, again) and _angellō_ (to announce), this verb means "to announce in detail," "to declare," or "to report." Paul and Barnabas didn't merely give a superficial summary; they provided a comprehensive and thorough account of their experiences and, crucially, of God's actions, emphasizing the detailed nature of their testimony to the gathered believers.
* **door (Greek, _thýra'_):** This word refers to a portal or entrance, either literally or figuratively. Here, it is used metaphorically to represent access, opportunity, or an opening. The "door of faith" signifies the divinely provided means by which Gentiles could enter into a saving relationship with God through belief in Jesus Christ, removing previous barriers and granting free access.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were come, and had gathered the church together,"**: This opening clause establishes the setting and the primary actors. Paul and Barnabas, having completed their arduous journey, prioritize gathering the local congregation in Antioch—the very church that commissioned them—to share their experiences. This act underscores the importance of communal fellowship and accountability within the early Christian community.
* **"they rehearsed all that God had done with them,"**: The focus immediately shifts from human effort to divine agency. Paul and Barnabas did not boast in their own accomplishments or strategies, but meticulously recounted "all that God had done." This highlights their humility and their deep conviction that they were merely instruments in God's sovereign plan, attributing every success, every conversion, and every established church to the Lord's power working through them.
* **"and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."**: This is the climactic declaration of the verse. The phrase "he had opened" explicitly attributes this groundbreaking development to God Himself. The "door of faith" is a powerful metaphor for the unprecedented opportunity for non-Jews to embrace salvation through belief in Jesus Christ. This was not a human initiative but a divine act, signifying the removal of previous barriers (like the Mosaic Law's ceremonial requirements) and the universal availability of the Gospel to all ethnic groups.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "opened the door of faith." A door typically signifies access or entrance, and here it powerfully conveys the idea of God creating a new way for Gentiles to enter into a relationship with Him through belief. This metaphor emphasizes divine initiative and the removal of previous barriers. Additionally, there is a strong element of **Divine Agency**, where God is presented as the primary actor ("God had done," "he had opened"). This rhetorical choice elevates God's role above human effort, ensuring that the glory for the mission's success is attributed solely to Him. The use of "Gentiles" can also be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (Gentiles, meaning non-Jews) stands for a larger concept (all humanity outside of the Jewish covenant, now invited into a new covenant).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:27 powerfully articulates the theological truth that salvation, by grace through faith, is universally available to all people groups, irrespective of their ethnic or cultural background. This declaration of God opening the "door of faith unto the Gentiles" marks a pivotal moment in redemptive history, confirming that the Gospel is not merely for the descendants of Abraham by physical lineage, but for all who believe. It underscores God's sovereign initiative in mission, demonstrating that the expansion of His kingdom is driven by His power and purpose, not human ingenuity or strength. This radical inclusivity, central to Paul's ministry, affirms that in Christ, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile has been broken down, creating one new humanity.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")
* [Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "Romans 10:12-13 - Salvation for All Who Call")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:27 provides a timeless model for the church today, emphasizing the importance of communal celebration of God's work and a humble recognition of His sovereignty in all ministry endeavors. Like Paul and Barnabas, believers and churches should regularly "rehearse" or recount what God has done, sharing testimonies of His faithfulness, provision, and transformative power in individual lives and through collective efforts. This practice fosters gratitude, encourages faith within the community, and glorifies God alone. Furthermore, this verse calls us to embrace the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, recognizing that the "door of faith" remains open to all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or past. We are commissioned to participate in God's ongoing mission, extending His invitation of salvation to every corner of the earth, just as the early church did. Our mission, like theirs, is to be instruments through whom God continues to open doors of faith for the lost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does your church or small group regularly share and celebrate what God is doing among you?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you tempted to rely on your own strength rather than acknowledging that "God had done" the work?**
* **What "doors of faith" might God be calling you to open or walk through in your own community, particularly to those who are culturally or socially different from you?**
* **How can you more intentionally support and pray for missionaries who are "rehearsing" God's work in distant lands?**

### FAQ

**What does "opened the door of faith" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Opened the door of faith" is a powerful metaphor signifying that God Himself, through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, created an unprecedented opportunity and access for non-Jewish people (Gentiles) to believe in Jesus Christ and receive salvation. Prior to this, salvation was largely understood within a Jewish framework, often implying conversion to Judaism first. This phrase declares that God had removed the previous barriers, making faith in Christ directly accessible to all, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. It points to a divine initiative in expanding the scope of the Gospel.

**Why was this report to the church in Antioch so significant?**

Answer: The report to the church in Syrian Antioch was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated **accountability** from the missionaries to their sending church, fostering healthy relationships and transparency. Secondly, it provided **firsthand testimony** to God's miraculous work among the Gentiles, which was a revolutionary concept for many early Jewish Christians and would become a central point of contention leading to the [Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"). Thirdly, it served as a **celebration of God's faithfulness** and power, encouraging the entire congregation and validating their role as a missionary sending hub. It solidified the understanding that the Gospel was indeed for all nations, not just for Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:27, with its declaration that God "had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. Jesus is not merely the one who *opens* the door; He *is* the Door. As He proclaimed in [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door"), "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved." Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility that separated Jew and Gentile, making peace and reconciling both to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The "door of faith" is therefore the Person and work of Jesus Christ, through whom all people, regardless of their background, can access God's grace and salvation. Paul and Barnabas's report was a vivid testimony to the practical outworking of Christ's cosmic reconciliation, demonstrating that the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, promised to Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")), was being realized through the finished work of the Messiah. The inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God, by faith in Christ, is a glorious testament to His all-encompassing Lordship and the boundless reach of His redeeming love.

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

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;