Acts 14:4

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

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}.

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

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

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

Acts 14:4 in the King James Version describes the immediate effect of the apostles Paul and Barnabas's ministry in the city of Iconium. Following their preaching and the performance of signs and wonders, the population of the city became sharply divided.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. After facing opposition in Antioch of Pisidia (see Acts 13:50), they moved on to Iconium. There, they spoke boldly in the synagogue, leading many Jews and Greeks to believe (Acts 14:1). However, the unbelieving Jews stirred up Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the apostles (Acts 14:2). Acts 14:4 shows the direct consequence of this conflict and the apostles' continued work – a clear division within the city's population regarding their message and authority.

Key Themes

  • Division Caused by the Gospel: The preaching of the gospel message, while bringing salvation to some, often creates a sharp division among people, leading to opposing sides.
  • Opposition to the Apostles: The verse highlights the reality that ministry faithful to Christ will face opposition, not just from external forces but sometimes from within communities or even religious groups.
  • Allegiance: People are forced to choose whether to align themselves with the message of the apostles (and thus Christ) or with those who reject it.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "divided" is schizo, which means to split, cleave, or divide. It's the same root word from which we get "schism." This emphasizes a deep, fundamental split within the city's structure and social fabric, not just a minor disagreement. The division wasn't superficial but represented a significant breaking apart of the community based on their response to the Christian message preached by Paul and Barnabas.

Reflection

Acts 14:4 serves as a reminder that the gospel of Jesus Christ is inherently divisive. It calls for a decision and allegiance that separates those who believe from those who reject it. This was true in the first century and remains true today. Faith in Christ often creates schisms, even within families and communities (as Jesus himself warned in Matthew 10:34). The verse encourages believers to understand that facing opposition or causing division by simply proclaiming the truth is a normal part of the Christian journey, mirroring the experiences of the early apostles.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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