Acts 14:28

KJV

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there {G1563} they abode {G1304} long {G3756}{G3641} time {G5550} with {G4862} the disciples {G3101}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And they stayed for some time there with the talmidim.

Berean Standard Bible

And they spent a long time there with the disciples.

American Standard Version

And they tarried no little time with the disciples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:28 concludes the narrative of Paul and Barnabas's momentous first missionary journey, marking their return to the commissioning church in Syrian Antioch. This verse signifies a crucial period of rest, fellowship, and consolidation for the apostles within the community of believers, allowing them to recount God's powerful work, deepen relationships, and prepare for future ministry endeavors after extensive travels and trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:28 serves as the concluding statement for the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, which began in [Acts 13:1-3](/acts/13-1-3 "Acts 13:1-3 - Commissioning of Paul and Barnabas"). Immediately preceding this verse, Paul and Barnabas had returned to Antioch in Syria, the very church that had sent them out. [Acts 14:27](/acts/14-27 "Acts 14:27 - Paul and Barnabas Report to the Church") explicitly states that upon their arrival, they "gathered the church together, and rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." This verse therefore highlights the period *following* that report, emphasizing a sustained season of abiding within the Antiochian community before the next phase of their apostolic work. It acts as a narrative pause, a moment of integration and spiritual refreshment after intense evangelistic activity and persecution across Cyprus and Asia Minor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Syrian Antioch was a strategic hub for early Christianity, serving as the primary launching point for Gentile missions and a significant center for the burgeoning church. It was here that believers were first called "Christians" ([Acts 11:26](/acts/11-26 "Acts 11:26 - Disciples Called Christians in Antioch")). Paul and Barnabas's return to Antioch was not merely a homecoming but a return to their spiritual base and accountability structure. Culturally, the act of "abiding long time" would have involved more than just rest; it implied continued teaching, discipleship, and communal life within the church. This period allowed for the organic integration of their missionary experiences into the life of the sending church, fostering mutual encouragement and strengthening the bonds of fellowship before the significant theological debates that would soon emerge concerning Gentile inclusion, as seen in [Acts 15:1-35](/acts/15-1-35 "Acts 15:1-35 - The Jerusalem Council").
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the importance of **rest and spiritual refreshment** for those engaged in demanding ministry, highlighting that even apostles require periods of recovery and communal support after arduous labor. Secondly, it emphasizes **accountability and reporting** within the early church structure; Paul and Barnabas returned to their commissioning body to share God's work, reinforcing the reciprocal relationship between missionaries and their sending church. Thirdly, the "long time" spent with the disciples points to the theme of **church strengthening and discipleship**. This period was undoubtedly used for teaching, nurturing new converts, and preparing the Antiochian church for future challenges and continued participation in the spread of the Gospel, demonstrating the vital role of the local assembly in sustaining and advancing God's mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **abode (Greek, _diatríbō_):** From διά and the base of τρίβος, meaning "to wear through (time), i.e. remain." This verb implies spending a considerable or extended period, suggesting more than a brief visit. It conveys the idea of remaining, continuing, or tarrying, indicating a substantial duration of stay rather than a fleeting presence.
* **long time (Greek, _olígos_ + _chrónos_):** The phrase combines _olígos_ (puny, few, little) and _chrónos_ (a space of time in general). While _olígos_ can mean "little," in this context, when paired with _chrónos_ and the verb _diatríbō_, it forms an idiomatic expression that paradoxically denotes a "considerable" or "extended" period, emphasizing a significant duration rather than a short one. It highlights the substantial nature of their stay.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs_):** From μανθάνω, meaning "a learner, i.e. pupil." This term refers to the followers of Christ, emphasizing their role as those who are being taught and are committed to learning from their Master. In this context, it refers to the community of believers in Antioch, highlighting the communal aspect of their extended stay.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there":** This phrase links the verse directly to the preceding narrative, specifically to their return to Antioch in Syria as described in [Acts 14:26](/acts/14-26 "Acts 14:26 - Paul and Barnabas Sail to Antioch"). It establishes the geographical context for their extended stay.
* **"they abode long time":** This clause signifies a period of significant duration, indicating that Paul and Barnabas did not merely pass through Antioch but settled there for an extended season. This "long time" implies a period of rest, recuperation, and continued engagement in the life of the church, rather than an immediate departure for new missionary endeavors.
* **"with the disciples":** This final phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of their stay. Their time was spent in fellowship, teaching, and mutual encouragement within the body of believers in Antioch. It highlights the importance of Christian community for both those who minister and those who are ministered to, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Summary**, succinctly concluding a major section of the book (the first missionary journey) and setting the stage for future events. The phrase "abode long time" serves as a form of **Understatement**, as it likely encompasses a period rich with teaching, discipleship, planning, and fellowship, far more active than the simple phrase might suggest. There is also an implicit **Emphasis on Community**, as the apostles' extended stay "with the disciples" underscores the vital role of the local church as a base of operations, a source of spiritual nourishment, and a place of accountability for those engaged in the broader mission of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:28 powerfully illustrates the cyclical nature of ministry: commission, arduous labor, reporting, and then a period of rest and spiritual replenishment within the community. Theologically, this verse reinforces the New Testament emphasis on the interdependence of believers and the necessity of communal life for sustained spiritual health and effective mission. It highlights that even apostles, divinely called and empowered, are not lone rangers but integral members of the body of Christ, requiring the fellowship, support, and accountability of the local church. This period of "abiding long time" was crucial not only for Paul and Barnabas's personal well-being but also for the strengthening of the Antiochian church, preparing it to navigate future theological challenges and continue its role as a sending church for the Gospel.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together")
* [Galatians 6:9-10](/galatians/6-9-10 "Galatians 6:9-10 - Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and churches. In a world that often glorifies relentless activity and individual achievement, this verse reminds us of the divine rhythm of work and rest, mission and community. It challenges us to prioritize not just outward ministry but also inward spiritual nourishment and communal fellowship. For those engaged in any form of service, it underscores the vital importance of returning to one's spiritual home, sharing experiences, receiving encouragement, and being refreshed. For the church, it highlights the responsibility to be a welcoming, nurturing, and accountable community for its members, especially those on the front lines of ministry. This "long time" with the disciples was not idleness but an essential period of consolidation, teaching, and strengthening, demonstrating that deep, sustained spiritual growth and effective future ministry are often forged in the quiet, consistent rhythms of communal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I prioritize periods of rest and spiritual replenishment in my own life, especially after intense periods of activity or service?**
* **In what ways do I actively participate in and contribute to the fellowship and accountability of my local church community?**
* **How can my church better support and refresh those who are engaged in demanding ministries, whether locally or globally?**
* **What stories of God's work in my life or ministry do I need to share with my spiritual community for mutual encouragement and accountability?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Paul and Barnabas staying in Antioch for a "long time" after their first missionary journey?**

Answer: The "long time" Paul and Barnabas spent in Antioch was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it allowed for a crucial period of rest and recuperation after the arduous and often dangerous first missionary journey, preventing burnout and preparing them for future endeavors. Secondly, it provided an extended opportunity for them to debrief and share the full account of God's work among the Gentiles with the Antiochian church that had commissioned them ([Acts 14:27](/acts/14-27 "Acts 14:27 - Paul and Barnabas Report to the Church")), fostering accountability and encouraging the sending community. Thirdly, it was a time for strengthening the local church through teaching, discipleship, and fellowship, helping to integrate the new insights from their mission field, particularly regarding Gentile converts. This period of consolidation was vital before the critical discussions at the [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), which would soon address the very issues their journey had brought to the forefront.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:28, though a simple narrative summary, points to Christ's ongoing work in and through His church. The "long time" Paul and Barnabas spent with the disciples in Antioch reflects the Lord's care for His servants and His body. Just as Christ Himself, after intense periods of ministry, would withdraw for rest and communion with His Father ([Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in the Morning")), so too does He provide for His apostles. This period of fellowship and strengthening in Antioch foreshadows the continuous work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), to build up and equip His church. The disciples' gathering and mutual encouragement embody the very nature of the church as Christ's body, where each member contributes to the health and growth of the whole ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up into Christ")). Ultimately, this verse illustrates Christ's faithfulness in sustaining His mission through His people, ensuring that His kingdom continues to advance, not merely through individual heroic efforts, but through the Spirit-empowered, communal life of His redeemed church, which He promised to build and against which the gates of hell would not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")).

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

Acts 11:26

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 15:35

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.