Acts 14:4

KJV

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the multitude {G4128} of the city {G4172} was divided {G4977}: and {G2532} part {G3303} held {G2258} with {G4862} the Jews {G2453}, and {G1161} part with {G4862} the apostles {G652}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, the people of the city were divided — some sided with the unbelieving Jews, others with the emissaries.

Berean Standard Bible

The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.

American Standard Version

But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:4 succinctly captures the immediate and polarizing effect of Paul and Barnabas's sustained ministry in Iconium, illustrating how the preaching of the gospel message, though bringing salvation to some, simultaneously creates sharp societal divisions as the populace is compelled to choose allegiance between the apostles and their Jewish opponents. This verse highlights the inherent power of the gospel to both unite and divide, revealing the spiritual battle unfolding in the city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, specifically detailing their experiences in Iconium. Having faced significant opposition and expulsion from Antioch of Pisidia ([Acts 13:50](/acts/13-50 "Acts 13:50 - Paul and Barnabas Expelled from Antioch")), they arrived in Iconium and immediately began preaching in the Jewish synagogue. Their bold proclamation of the gospel, accompanied by signs and wonders performed by the Lord ([Acts 14:3](/acts/14-3 "Acts 14:3 - Apostles Speak Boldly with Signs and Wonders")), led to a significant number of both Jews and Greeks believing ([Acts 14:1](/acts/14-1 "Acts 14:1 - Many Believe in Iconium")). However, the unbelieving Jews, unwilling to accept the message, actively stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the apostles ([Acts 14:2](/acts/14-2 "Acts 14:2 - Unbelieving Jews Stir Up Gentiles")). Acts 14:4 serves as the direct consequence and culmination of this escalating tension, demonstrating the profound division that resulted from their impactful yet controversial ministry, setting the stage for the subsequent attempt on their lives ([Acts 14:5](/acts/14-5 "Acts 14:5 - Attempt to Stone Paul and Barnabas")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Iconium was a strategically important city in the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey), situated on a major trade route. Like many cities in the Roman Empire, it possessed a diverse population, including a significant Jewish community and various Gentile groups. Synagogues often served as cultural and religious hubs, attracting not only Jews but also "God-fearers" (Gentiles who were attracted to monotheism and Jewish ethical teachings). The Roman authorities generally tolerated established religions, including Judaism, but new movements, especially those that caused public unrest or challenged traditional social structures, could be viewed with suspicion. The preaching of a crucified Messiah, who claimed to be God, was often perceived as scandalous by Jews and foolishness by Greeks, naturally leading to strong reactions and societal fragmentation. The concept of "schism" or deep division was not uncommon in the multi-ethnic and multi-religious urban centers of the Roman world, where competing philosophies and religious claims frequently vied for allegiance.

* **Key Themes:** The division described in Acts 14:4 powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **inherently divisive nature of the Gospel message**. While the gospel unites believers in Christ, it simultaneously separates those who accept its truth from those who reject it, fulfilling Jesus' own prophecy that He came "not to bring peace, but a sword" ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings a Sword")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **inevitability of opposition to faithful ministry**. The apostles' commitment to proclaiming Christ often provoked hostility, demonstrating that the advance of God's kingdom frequently meets resistance from forces opposed to divine truth. This opposition is not merely external but can arise from within religious communities, as seen with the unbelieving Jews. Lastly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **allegiance and decision**. The gospel compels individuals to make a choice: to align themselves with the message of Christ and His apostles or with those who oppose it. This call to allegiance is a fundamental aspect of discipleship, demanding a clear stand for or against the truth of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _plēthos'_):** (G4128) Derived from a word meaning "to fill," _plēthos_ refers to a "fulness," signifying a large number, throng, or populace. In this context, it emphasizes that a significant portion of the city's inhabitants, not just a few individuals, was affected by the apostles' ministry and the ensuing conflict. It conveys a sense of the widespread impact and the broad societal scope of the division.
* **divided (Greek, _schízō'_):** (G4977) This verb means "to split or sever," either literally (as in tearing a garment or splitting wood) or figuratively. It is the root of the English word "schism." Its use here indicates not a mere disagreement or difference of opinion, but a profound, fundamental rupture or cleavage within the social fabric of Iconium. The city was not simply disagreeing; it was fundamentally rent into opposing factions.
* **apostles (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** (G652) From _apostellō_ ("to send forth"), an _apóstolos_ is a delegate, an ambassador, or one officially sent with a commission. Here, it refers specifically to Paul and Barnabas, who were commissioned by Christ (through the Holy Spirit) to preach the Gospel. The term highlights their divine authority and the legitimacy of their message, contrasting with the self-appointed opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the multitude of the city was divided":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central conflict and its widespread nature. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a contrast or shift, indicating that despite the positive response of many believers (Acts 14:1) and the Lord's confirmation of their message (Acts 14:3), the overall effect on the city was one of sharp polarization. The "multitude" (G4128, _plēthos_) underscores that this was a broad societal phenomenon, not limited to a small group. The verb "was divided" (G4977, _schízō_) vividly portrays a deep, fundamental rift within the urban population, a tearing apart of its social cohesion.
* **"and part held with the Jews":** This clause identifies one of the two opposing factions. The phrase "held with" translates the Greek _ēn sýn_ (G2258, "was" + G4862, "with"), meaning they "were with" or "sided with" the Jews. This "part" (G3303, _mén_) refers to a segment of the populace, likely including unbelieving Jews who had stirred up opposition (Acts 14:2) and Gentiles whom they had influenced. This faction actively opposed the apostles and their message, aligning themselves with traditional Jewish leadership that rejected Jesus as the Messiah.
* **"and part with the apostles":** This final clause identifies the second faction, which sided with Paul and Barnabas. This "part" (G1161, _dé_, again contrasting with the previous "part") consisted of those who had believed the Gospel message preached by the apostles—a mix of Jews and Greeks (Acts 14:1). This indicates a clear line of demarcation, where the city's inhabitants were compelled to choose their allegiance based on their response to the Christian message and the authority of its messengers.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Acts 14:4 is **Contrast**. The verse explicitly sets up a dichotomy: "part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles," highlighting the stark opposition that the gospel message engendered. This creates a clear binary, emphasizing the irreconcilable differences between belief and unbelief, and between allegiance to traditional systems versus allegiance to the new way of Christ. Furthermore, the use of the word "divided" (from _schízō_) functions as **Symbolism**, where the literal splitting of the city's population symbolizes the inherent nature of the gospel to create a spiritual and social separation. This division is not accidental but a direct consequence of the truth of Christ confronting the world's systems and demanding a decisive response, thereby acting as a powerful symbol of the spiritual battle for human souls.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:4 powerfully illustrates a profound theological truth: the gospel of Jesus Christ, while bringing reconciliation between God and humanity and uniting believers, inherently acts as a dividing force in the world. This division is not a flaw in the gospel but a testament to its radical nature, as it demands a fundamental reorientation of allegiance and a decisive response to God's truth. It exposes the spiritual battle between light and darkness, revealing the heart's true inclination towards or against God's saving grace. This pattern of division in response to divine truth is a consistent theme throughout biblical history, from the separation of Abraham's lineage to the prophetic calls that split Israel, culminating in Christ's own ministry which polarized crowds.

* [Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings a Sword, Not Peace")
* [Luke 12:51-53](/luke/12-51-53 "Luke 12:51-53 - Division in Families")
* [John 7:43](/john/7-43 "John 7:43 - Division Among the People Because of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:4 serves as a potent reminder that faithfulness to the gospel message often leads to division, not necessarily universal acceptance or harmony. For believers today, this verse challenges us to embrace the reality that proclaiming Christ's truth will inevitably provoke strong reactions, both positive and negative. It calls for courage and conviction, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ and His kingdom, not to social cohesion or popular opinion at the expense of truth. We are to be prepared for the discomfort and opposition that may arise when the gospel's demands confront cultural norms or personal preferences. This passage encourages us to stand firm with "the apostles"—that is, with the unchanging truth of God's Word—even when it means being part of a minority or facing ostracization. It also prompts us to examine our own hearts: are we truly willing to embrace the full implications of the gospel, even when it requires us to make difficult choices that may divide us from others, including those we love?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when my Christian faith causes discomfort or division in my relationships or social circles?**
* **Am I willing to stand firmly with the truth of the gospel, even when it means facing opposition or being part of a minority?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise the truth of the gospel to avoid conflict or maintain an artificial peace?**
* **How can I lovingly and faithfully communicate the gospel knowing that it may create division, while still seeking to win others to Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why does the gospel cause division instead of unity?**

Answer: The gospel inherently calls for a radical reorientation of one's life and allegiance, from self or worldly systems to Christ. This demand for repentance, faith, and submission to Jesus as Lord creates a fundamental distinction between those who accept and those who reject it. While the gospel *unites* believers in Christ, forming a new spiritual family, it *divides* humanity based on their response to God's saving grace. Jesus himself stated He came "not to bring peace, but a sword" ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings a Sword")), signifying the spiritual and social separation His message would cause. This division is not due to malice on the part of believers, but due to the nature of truth confronting falsehood and the human heart's response to God's call.

**What does "part held with the Jews" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase indicates that a segment of the city's population, likely including both ethnic Jews who rejected Jesus as Messiah and some Gentiles who were influenced by these Jewish leaders, sided with those who opposed Paul and Barnabas. It signifies their rejection of the apostles' message and their alignment with the established religious authorities who sought to discredit or harm the nascent Christian movement. This opposition had been actively stirred up by "unbelieving Jews" who "poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren" ([Acts 14:2](/acts/14-2 "Acts 14:2 - Unbelieving Jews Stir Up Gentiles")), leading directly to the city's division.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:4, depicting the sharp division in Iconium, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate source and reason for such polarization. Jesus himself was the "stumbling stone and rock of offense" ([1 Peter 2:8](/1_peter/2-8 "1 Peter 2:8 - Christ, a Stumbling Stone")) upon whom people either built their lives or stumbled to their ruin. His earthly ministry consistently polarized crowds, with some hailing Him as the Messiah and Son of God ([John 6:68-69](/john/6-68-69 "John 6:68-69 - Peter's Confession")) while others plotted His death ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). The division in Iconium is a direct continuation of the pattern established by Christ's own life and ministry, demonstrating that the truth of God's kingdom, embodied in the person of Jesus, forces a choice. The apostles, as Christ's ambassadors, simply extended this divine polarization, demonstrating that true allegiance to the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") invariably separates those who embrace His reign from those who resist it, ultimately leading to the eternal division between those who are "in Christ" and those who are not ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Sheep and the Goats")). The cross of Christ itself is the ultimate dividing line, separating humanity into those who find salvation and those who are lost ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Cross, Foolishness to Some, Power to Others")).

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 28:24

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Acts 19:9

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Acts 17:4

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Luke 11:21

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

Luke 11:23

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Acts 14:14

[Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,