Acts 14:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:3 vividly portrays the sustained and courageous ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, where, despite escalating opposition, they continued to proclaim the Gospel with divine empowerment. This verse underscores the crucial partnership between human faithfulness in preaching "the word of his grace" and God's active validation through miraculous "signs and wonders" performed through their hands, authenticating their message and demonstrating His sovereign power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:3 follows directly from the initial outreach of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, as described in [Acts 14:1-2](/acts/14-1-2 "Acts 14:1-2 - Paul and Barnabas in Iconium"). Having been forced to leave Antioch of Pisidia due to Jewish opposition, they arrived in Iconium and, true to their pattern, first preached in the synagogue. Their message, however, quickly divided the city, with some believing and others aligning with the unbelieving Jews to stir up hostility against the apostles. In this volatile atmosphere, Acts 14:3 highlights their remarkable perseverance, indicating they "abode a long time," continuing their bold proclamation despite the growing tension. This sustained ministry ultimately led to a violent plot against them, forcing their eventual departure to Lystra and Derbe, as detailed in [Acts 14:5-6](/acts/14-5-6 "Acts 14:5-6 - Plot Against Paul and Barnabas"). The verse thus serves as a crucial bridge, emphasizing the period of intense, divinely affirmed evangelism before the inevitable escalation of persecution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Iconium was a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia, situated at the crossroads of important trade routes. Its population was a mix of Jews and Gentiles, typical of many cities where Paul and Barnabas ministered. The synagogue served as a natural starting point for their evangelism, providing an audience familiar with the Old Testament prophecies that pointed to Christ. In the broader Greco-Roman world, the performance of "signs and wonders" was not entirely foreign, as various cults and philosophical schools claimed supernatural manifestations. However, the signs performed by the apostles were distinct in their purpose: they were not for personal gain or mere spectacle, but served as divine authentication of the monotheistic God of Israel and the Gospel message of His Son. This was particularly important in a polytheistic environment, where the power of the Christian God needed to be visibly demonstrated to challenge prevailing worldviews and validate the apostles' claims.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes vital to the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. The first is **Bold Proclamation (Parrhesia)**, evident in the phrase "speaking boldly in the Lord." This is not mere human courage but a divinely enabled confidence to declare the Gospel openly, even in the face of hostility, a theme frequently seen in the early church's witness, as when the apostles prayed for boldness in [Acts 4:31](/acts/4-31 "Acts 4:31 - Apostles Speak with Boldness"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Confirmation**, where God Himself "gave testimony unto the word of his grace." This underscores that the apostles' message was not simply human rhetoric but God's truth, validated by His own power. The "signs and wonders" were the tangible evidence of this divine endorsement, a pattern seen throughout the New Testament, confirming the word preached, as described in [Mark 16:20](/mark/16-20 "Mark 16:20 - The Lord Confirms the Word with Accompanying Signs") and [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs and Wonders"). Finally, the core of their message is identified as "the word of his grace," emphasizing that salvation is a free gift of God's unmerited favor, a central tenet of the Gospel that Paul passionately defended throughout his ministry, as articulated in [Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - Paul's Commitment to the Gospel of God's Grace") and profoundly expounded in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **abode (Greek, _diatríbō'_):** From G1304, this word literally means "to wear through (time)" and implies a prolonged stay or continued presence. It conveys the idea of tarrying or remaining for a significant duration. In Acts 14:3, it emphasizes the apostles' perseverance and commitment to their ministry in Iconium, indicating that their evangelistic efforts were not fleeting but sustained over a considerable period despite the mounting opposition.
* **speaking boldly (Greek, _parrhēsiázomai'_):** From G3955, this term signifies being "frank in utterance" or "confident in spirit and demeanor." It denotes a fearless, open, and unreserved declaration of truth, often in the face of adversity or potential danger. The boldness described here is not a natural human trait but is explicitly stated as being "in the Lord," indicating a divine enablement and empowerment for their courageous proclamation of the Gospel.
* **granted (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, this verb means "to give" or "to bestow." In this context, it highlights God's active role as the giver and bestower of the signs and wonders. It underscores that these miraculous manifestations were not conjured by the apostles' own power or will, but were sovereignly given by God to confirm their message. This emphasizes the divine origin and authority behind the supernatural acts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Long time therefore abode they":** This phrase indicates a significant period of residence and ministry in Iconium. The "therefore" connects their continued presence to the preceding events of division and opposition (Acts 14:2), suggesting that despite the challenges, they chose to remain and persist in their mission. It speaks to their perseverance and commitment to the Gospel.
* **"speaking boldly in the Lord":** This describes the nature of their proclamation. "Speaking boldly" (parrhesia) denotes unreserved and courageous speech, particularly in the face of threats. The crucial qualifier "in the Lord" signifies that their boldness was not a product of their own strength or arrogance, but was empowered by and rooted in their relationship with Jesus Christ, indicating divine enablement for their witness.
* **"which gave testimony unto the word of his grace":** This clause reveals God's active participation in their ministry. The "which" refers to "the Lord," indicating that it was God Himself who bore witness or confirmed the message the apostles were preaching. The message itself is identified as "the word of his grace," emphasizing that the core of the Gospel is God's unmerited favor and salvation freely offered through Christ.
* **"and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands":** This specifies the means by which God "gave testimony." God "granted" or allowed miraculous "signs" (semeia, pointing to meaning) and "wonders" (terata, causing awe) to occur. The phrase "by their hands" clarifies that the apostles were the instruments or channels through whom these divine acts were manifested, not the source of the power themselves, further emphasizing God's sovereign agency.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 14:3 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The phrase "**signs and wonders**" (Greek: _sēmeia kai terata_) is a classic **merism** or **hendiadys**, a common biblical pairing that emphasizes the extraordinary, supernatural nature of the events, highlighting both their evidential purpose (signs) and their awe-inspiring quality (wonders). The use of the **divine passive** in "to be done by their hands" subtly but powerfully indicates that God is the ultimate agent behind the miracles, even though they are performed *through* the apostles. This emphasizes divine sovereignty and the apostles' role as instruments. Furthermore, the verse presents a **juxtaposition** between human action ("abode they speaking boldly") and divine action ("which gave testimony... and granted signs and wonders"), illustrating the essential partnership in ministry where human faithfulness is met with divine confirmation. The phrase "in the Lord" functions as a **metonymy**, where "the Lord" stands for the power, authority, and presence of Christ, who is the source of their boldness and the one who ultimately authenticates their message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:3 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of apostolic ministry and, by extension, all effective Christian witness: it is a synergistic work between human proclamation and divine power. The apostles' "speaking boldly in the Lord" was not a self-generated courage but a Spirit-empowered declaration, acknowledging that true spiritual impact flows from God's enabling presence. Furthermore, God's "testimony" through "signs and wonders" underscores the principle that the Gospel message is not merely human philosophy or persuasion, but a divine revelation that God Himself validates. While the overt display of miraculous signs may not be the normative experience for every believer today, the underlying principle remains: God continues to confirm His "word of grace" through transformed lives, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and tangible evidence of His presence and power in the world. The focus is always on the message of grace, which is God's unmerited favor, the core of salvation, and the power that transforms hearts.

* [Mark 16:20](/mark/16-20 "Mark 16:20 - The Lord Working with Them")
* [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs and Wonders")
* [1 Corinthians 2:4](/1_corinthians/2-4 "1 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Preaching in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:3 offers timeless encouragement and instruction for believers in every generation. The apostles' "long time" abode in Iconium, despite growing opposition, is a powerful testament to the necessity of **perseverance** in ministry. It reminds us that faithfulness often requires enduring through challenging seasons, trusting that God's timing and purposes will prevail. Their "speaking boldly in the Lord" challenges us to examine the source of our own courage in sharing our faith; true boldness is not born of human strength but is a divine enablement, rooted "in the Lord." This calls us to a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit, recognizing that it is God who empowers our witness. Moreover, the divine confirmation through "signs and wonders" assures us that God is actively involved in authenticating His Word. While the specific manifestations may differ, God continues to confirm His message today through transformed lives, undeniable spiritual conviction, and answers to prayer, demonstrating His power to a skeptical world. Our mission remains to faithfully proclaim "the word of his grace," confident that as we do so, God will work alongside us, giving testimony to His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "long time" of Paul and Barnabas's ministry encourage you in areas where you need to persevere in your faith or service?**
* **In what ways do you rely on the "Lord" to speak "boldly" about your faith in your daily life and interactions?**
* **How do you see God "giving testimony" to His "word of grace" through transformed lives or spiritual conviction in the world around you today?**
* **What "signs and wonders" (spiritual or otherwise) confirm God's work in your life or community, reassuring you of His active presence?**

### FAQ
**What does "speaking boldly in the Lord" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "speaking boldly in the Lord" means proclaiming the truth of the Gospel with confidence, clarity, and conviction, not relying on our own strength or eloquence but on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It implies a fearless and unreserved declaration of God's Word, even when facing opposition, apathy, or ridicule. This boldness is rooted in our identity "in the Lord," meaning it flows from our relationship with Christ and His authority. It doesn't necessarily mean being loud or aggressive, but rather being unashamed of the Gospel and ready to share it, trusting that God will provide the words and the power, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 6:19-20](/ephesians/6-19-20 "Ephesians 6:19-20 - Paul's Prayer for Boldness").

**Were "signs and wonders" common in the early church, and do they still occur today?**

Answer: Yes, "signs and wonders" (miracles, healings, exorcisms, prophetic utterances) were a common and integral part of the early church's ministry, particularly during the apostolic era. As Acts 14:3 shows, they served a crucial purpose: to authenticate the apostles' message and demonstrate God's power to a world unfamiliar with the Gospel. They were God's way of "giving testimony" to His Word. While there is theological debate on the frequency and nature of these phenomena today, many Christians believe that God continues to perform miraculous signs and wonders in various forms, though perhaps not with the same concentration as in the foundational period of the church. The Holy Spirit is still active, and God is sovereign to confirm His Word as He sees fit, often through transformed lives and powerful spiritual experiences, as suggested in [1 Corinthians 12:7-11](/1_corinthians/12-7-11 "1 Corinthians 12:7-11 - Gifts of the Spirit").

**What is "the word of his grace"?**

Answer: "The word of his grace" refers to the Gospel message, which centers on God's unmerited favor and benevolent love toward humanity, culminating in salvation through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that salvation is not earned by human effort, good works, or adherence to the law, but is a free gift received by faith. This message highlights God's character as gracious and merciful, offering forgiveness and new life purely out of His boundless love. It is the core of the Christian message, contrasting with systems of earning favor or merit. Paul frequently emphasized this theme, as in [Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - The Gospel of the Grace of God") and [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:3, though describing the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The apostles' "speaking boldly in the Lord" is a direct continuation of Christ's own fearless proclamation of the Kingdom of God, empowered by the very Spirit He promised to send ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). Jesus Himself was the embodiment of "the word of his grace," for "grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")). He is the living Word, full of grace, who "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Moreover, the "signs and wonders" performed by the apostles were not arbitrary displays of power, but echoes of Christ's own miraculous ministry, which consistently validated His divine authority and the truth of His message ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus's Mission Statement from Isaiah")). Just as God bore witness to Jesus's claims through mighty works, so too did He confirm the apostles' testimony to Jesus. Thus, Acts 14:3 powerfully illustrates that the early church's mission was fundamentally Christ-centered: they spoke boldly *of* Him, God gave testimony *to* His grace, and the signs and wonders were performed *in His name* and *for His glory*, demonstrating that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")).

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

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.