Acts 14:5

KJV

And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use [them] despitefully, and to stone them,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G5613} there was {G1096} an assault {G3730} made {G1096} both {G5037} of the Gentiles {G1484}, and also {G2532} of the Jews {G2453} with {G4862} their {G846} rulers {G758}, to use them despitefully {G5195}, and {G2532} to stone {G3036} them {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

Eventually the unbelievers, both Jews and Gentiles, together with their leaders, made a move to mistreat the emissaries, even to stone them;

Berean Standard Bible

But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them,

American Standard Version

And when there was made an onset both of the Gentiles and of the Jews with their rulers, to treat them shamefully and to stone them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:5 captures a pivotal and dangerous moment in the early missionary endeavors of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, revealing the intense and unified opposition they faced. As the Gospel message gained traction, a concerted effort emerged from both the local Jewish community and Gentile factions, including their respective leaders, to violently mistreat the apostles and ultimately execute them by stoning. This verse underscores the escalating hostility and the very real physical threats inherent in proclaiming the Christian faith in the ancient world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of significant success for Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, where they boldly proclaimed the Gospel in the synagogue, leading to a "great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed" ([Acts 14:1](/acts/14-1 "Acts 14:1 - Paul and Barnabas in Iconium")). However, the narrative quickly shifts to the opposition, as "the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and poisoned their minds against the brethren" ([Acts 14:2](/acts/14-2 "Acts 14:2 - Unbelieving Jews Stir Up Opposition")). Despite this, Paul and Barnabas "abode long time speaking boldly in the Lord" ([Acts 14:3](/acts/14-3 "Acts 14:3 - Paul and Barnabas Speak Boldly")), leading to a division in the city. Acts 14:5 describes the culmination of this growing tension, detailing the specific, violent plot against them, which then prompts their strategic retreat to Lystra and Derbe ([Acts 14:6](/acts/14-6 "Acts 14:6 - Escape to Lystra and Derbe")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Iconium was a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey), situated on a major trade route. It possessed a diverse population of Jews and Gentiles, typical of many cities where Paul ministered. The synagogue served as a natural starting point for his evangelism, providing a platform to share Christ from the Old Testament Scriptures. The "rulers" mentioned likely refer to local Jewish leaders (elders of the synagogue) and possibly Gentile civic magistrates or influential citizens. Stoning was a prescribed method of execution for certain offenses under Jewish law (e.g., blasphemy, idolatry), but it was also a form of mob violence, often used to silence perceived threats or heretics. The fact that both Jews and Gentiles united in this plot is particularly noteworthy, as these groups often had strained relations. Their common opposition to the Christian message highlights the perceived radical nature of the apostles' teachings, which challenged both established Jewish traditions and pagan Roman societal norms.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 14:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Persecution and Opposition to the Gospel**, demonstrating that the spread of Christianity was rarely without fierce resistance, fulfilling Jesus's warnings to His disciples about being hated for His name's sake ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for My Name's Sake")). The verse also highlights the **Unity of Opposition**, showing how disparate groups could coalesce against the perceived threat of the new faith, a pattern seen elsewhere in Acts, such as the combined efforts against Stephen ([Acts 6:12](/acts/6-12 "Acts 6:12 - Opposition to Stephen")). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**, as the apostles were supernaturally aware of the plot, enabling their escape and the continuation of their mission, reinforcing the idea that God's plan would not be thwarted by human malice ([Acts 14:6](/acts/14-6 "Acts 14:6 - Divine Intervention and Escape")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Assault (Greek, _hormḗ'_):** From G3730, this word signifies a "violent impulse" or "onset." It suggests a sudden, aggressive, and premeditated attack, not a spontaneous outburst. This indicates a deliberate, organized plan to harm Paul and Barnabas, emphasizing the malicious intent behind the actions of the Jews and Gentiles.
* **Despitefully (Greek, _hybrízō'_):** From G5195, this verb means "to exercise violence," "abuse," or "treat with insolence/outrage." It conveys a sense of not just physical harm, but also public humiliation, disgrace, and contempt. The intent was to degrade and shame the apostles, stripping them of their dignity and authority, in addition to inflicting physical pain.
* **Stone (Greek, _lithoboléō'_):** From G3036, a compound of "stone" (lithos) and "to throw" (ballō), meaning "to throw stones" or "lapidate." This term explicitly denotes an attempt at execution. Stoning was a brutal and often public form of capital punishment, signaling the extreme hatred and desire to completely eliminate the apostles and their message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when there was an assault made":** This opening clause immediately establishes the gravity of the situation, indicating that a hostile and violent action was not merely contemplated but was actively being prepared or initiated. The passive voice ("was an assault made") highlights that the apostles were the targets of this aggressive maneuver, emphasizing their vulnerability to the mob's intent.
* **"both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers":** This crucial phrase identifies the diverse and unified nature of the opposition. It is significant that both major demographic groups—Gentiles and Jews—were involved, demonstrating a rare alliance forged in their shared animosity toward the Christian message. The inclusion of "their rulers" suggests that this was not merely a spontaneous mob action but had a degree of organization, authority, or at least tacit approval from influential figures within both communities, lending a chilling legitimacy to the plot.
* **"to use [them] despitefully, and to stone them":** This final clause explicitly states the dual and escalating intent of the conspirators. "To use them despitefully" (hybrizō) indicates a desire for public abuse, humiliation, and severe physical mistreatment short of death. This was designed to disgrace and deter. The ultimate aim, however, was "to stone them," which was an act of capital punishment, signifying a clear intent to kill the apostles and eradicate their influence permanently.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 14:5 employs several potent literary devices. There is clear **Conflict**, as the verse describes a direct and violent confrontation between the apostles and the unified opposition of Jews and Gentiles. This conflict is not merely ideological but escalates to a physical threat, demonstrating the high stakes of the early missionary work. The phrase also contains a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, particularly for Paul, who would later be stoned and left for dead in Lystra, the very next city they visit after escaping Iconium ([Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned in Lystra")). This incident in Iconium thus serves as an early warning of the extreme dangers Paul and Barnabas would face. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in the "rulers" being involved in a plot that involves mob violence and an extra-legal execution, as those who are meant to uphold order and justice are instead orchestrating lawlessness. The parallel mention of "Gentiles, and also of the Jews" creates a form of **Juxtaposition** or **Antithesis**, highlighting the unusual unity of these typically disparate groups in their shared animosity towards the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:5 powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that faithful proclamation of the Gospel often invites intense opposition, a theme consistently woven throughout Scripture. The apostles' experience in Iconium echoes the suffering of the prophets of old and foreshadows the persecution faced by believers across history. This hostility is not merely against the messengers, but against the message itself, which challenges human autonomy, religious traditions, and worldly powers, calling for repentance and submission to Christ's Lordship. The verse reminds us that suffering for righteousness is an expected part of the Christian walk, a sign of fidelity to Christ rather than a deviation from His path.

* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Blessed are the Persecuted")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "The World Will Hate You")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "All Who Desire to Live Godly Will Suffer Persecution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:5 serves as a stark reminder that the path of faithful discipleship and bold evangelism is rarely paved with ease. The apostles' experience in Iconium underscores the reality that proclaiming the truth of the Gospel can provoke strong, even violent, reactions from those whose worldview or vested interests are challenged by its message. For believers today, this means cultivating a spirit of resilience and preparedness, recognizing that opposition, whether in the form of social ostracization, verbal abuse, or more severe persecution, is a historical and ongoing reality for those who earnestly seek to live out and share their faith. It calls us to examine our own willingness to stand firm in the face of adversity, trusting in God's sovereign protection and guidance, and remembering that our ultimate reward is not found in worldly comfort but in Christ. The apostles' response—to escape and continue preaching elsewhere—demonstrates wisdom and perseverance, not cowardice, reminding us to discern when to stand and when to strategically retreat for the sake of the mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unified opposition of Jews and Gentiles in Acts 14:5 challenge our assumptions about who might oppose the Gospel today?**
* **What does "using them despitefully" imply about the nature of persecution, beyond mere physical harm?**
* **In what ways might believers today experience "assaults" or "despiteful treatment" for their faith, even in contexts where physical stoning is not a threat?**
* **How can we cultivate the courage and wisdom of Paul and Barnabas to persevere in ministry despite significant opposition?**

### FAQ

**What prompted such a violent reaction against Paul and Barnabas in Iconium?**

Answer: The violent reaction stemmed from a combination of factors. Paul and Barnabas had significant success in proclaiming the Gospel, leading many Jews and Greeks to believe ([Acts 14:1](/acts/14-1 "Acts 14:1 - Many Believe in Iconium")). This success, however, also stirred up intense jealousy and animosity among "the unbelieving Jews," who actively "stirred up the Gentiles, and poisoned their minds against the brethren" ([Acts 14:2](/acts/14-2 "Acts 14:2 - Unbelieving Jews Incite Opposition")). The message of Christ, which declared salvation through faith in a crucified Messiah and challenged the exclusivity of Jewish law, as well as the polytheism and idolatry of the Gentiles, was perceived as a direct threat to established religious, social, and cultural norms. This perceived threat, combined with the apostles' growing influence, culminated in a unified and violent plot to silence them.

**What happened immediately after this plot was discovered?**

Answer: Fortunately, Paul and Barnabas were made aware of the impending "assault" and "plot to use them despitefully, and to stone them." Rather than confronting the mob directly or passively awaiting their fate, they exercised wisdom and discretion. They "fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about" ([Acts 14:6](/acts/14-6 "Acts 14:6 - Paul and Barnabas Flee")). This strategic retreat allowed them to escape the immediate danger and continue their missionary work in new areas, demonstrating that prudence and self-preservation, when guided by God's providence, are sometimes necessary for the continuation of the Gospel mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:5, with its depiction of Paul and Barnabas facing a violent plot of abuse and stoning, powerfully echoes the pattern of suffering that culminates in Christ and is extended to His followers. Jesus Himself warned His disciples that they would be persecuted "for my name's sake" ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for My Name's Sake")) and that the world would hate them as it hated Him ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")). The "despiteful use" and intent to "stone them" directly parallels the indignities and ultimate execution Christ endured, from the mocking and scourging by Roman soldiers ([Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus")) to the calls for His crucifixion by a unified Jewish and Roman populace ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - Crucify Him!")). The apostles' suffering is not merely a historical anecdote but a participation in the sufferings of Christ, fulfilling the prophetic words that Paul himself would "suffer many things for my name's sake" ([Acts 9:16](/acts/9-16 "Acts 9:16 - Paul's Suffering Foretold")). Thus, the persecution in Iconium is a vivid reminder that the path of discipleship is a cruciform path, where fidelity to the Lamb of God often leads to opposition, mirroring the very experience of the One they proclaim, who was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")).

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 14:19

¶ And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

2 Timothy 3:11

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.

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.

Acts 4:25

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

Acts 4:29

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Psalms 2:1

¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Psalms 2:3

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.