Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Long {G2425} time {G5550} therefore {G3303}{G3767} abode they {G1304} speaking boldly {G3955} in {G1909} the Lord {G2962}, which {G3588} gave testimony {G3140} unto the word {G3056} of his {G846} grace {G5485}, and {G2532} granted {G1325} signs {G4592} and {G2532} wonders {G5059} to be done {G1096} by {G1223} their {G846} hands {G5495}.
Therefore, Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba remained for a long time, speaking boldly about the Lord, who bore witness to the message about his love and kindness by enabling them to perform signs and miracles.
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
Long time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
-
Hebrews 2:4
God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? -
Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; -
Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. -
Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. -
Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, -
Acts 4:30
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. -
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 14:3 describes a pivotal moment in the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, highlighting the divine authentication of their ministry amidst growing opposition. This verse encapsulates the dynamic interplay between human proclamation and divine power.
Context
Following their impactful, yet ultimately divisive, ministry in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas arrived in Iconium (Acts 14:1). Despite an initial positive reception from both Jews and Gentiles, dissent quickly arose, leading to a factional split in the city. Acts 14:3 explains that "Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord." This indicates a period of sustained, courageous evangelism, even as the city became divided over their message. Their continued presence and preaching were a testament to their commitment to spread the Gospel, undeterred by the mounting threats and plots that would eventually force them to flee (Acts 14:5-6).
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "boldly" is parrhesia (παρρησία), which conveys not just courage but also freedom of speech and openness. It implies speaking without reservation or fear of consequences, a hallmark of the apostolic witness. The phrase "gave testimony" is from symmartyreō (συμμαρτυρέω), meaning "to bear witness with" or "to confirm." This emphasizes God's active participation in authenticating the apostles' message. "Signs and wonders" (sēmeia kai terata - σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα) is a common biblical pairing for supernatural acts that serve as evidence of divine power and purpose.
Practical Application
Acts 14:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of: