Acts 14:6

They were ware of [it], and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

They were ware {G4894} of it, and fled {G2703} unto {G1519} Lystra {G3082} and {G2532} Derbe {G1191}, cities {G4172} of Lycaonia {G3071}, and {G2532} unto the region that lieth round about {G4066}:

but they learned of it and escaped to Lystra and Derbe, towns in Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,

they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region,

they became aware of it, and fled unto the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region round about:

Acts 14:6 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. After facing severe opposition and a plot to stone them in Iconium, the apostles prudently withdrew to continue their evangelistic work in nearby regions.

Context

Preceding this verse, Paul and Barnabas had been ministering effectively in Iconium, the capital of Lycaonia. Their preaching led to many conversions, but also stirred up significant opposition from both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles (Acts 14:1-5). A violent assault was planned against them, intending to stone them. Acts 14:6 reveals their strategic response: they became aware of this imminent danger and chose to leave, relocating their ministry to the cities of Lystra and Derbe, which were also in the region of Lycaonia, part of the Roman province of Galatia.

Key Themes

  • Persecution and Prudence: The verse highlights the reality of persecution in early Christian evangelism. Paul and Barnabas's decision to flee was not an act of cowardice, but one of spiritual wisdom and discernment. They understood the danger and opted to preserve their lives for continued ministry, rather than inviting unnecessary martyrdom. This aligns with Christ's teaching on fleeing when persecuted in one city to another.
  • Unwavering Mission: Despite the threat and the need to relocate, Paul and Barnabas did not abandon their mission. Their flight was a strategic repositioning, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel message. They simply moved their base of operations to continue the work God had called them to.
  • Divine Guidance: The phrase "they were ware of [it]" suggests a divine warning or a keen spiritual perception that enabled them to understand the plot against them and act accordingly. This emphasizes the providential care over their ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "were ware of" translates the Greek verb syniemi (συνίημι), which means to understand, perceive, or comprehend. It implies that Paul and Barnabas gained a clear and definite understanding of the plot against them. The verb "fled" comes from the Greek pheugō (φεύγω), meaning to escape or take flight. This term clearly indicates a swift and deliberate departure in response to danger, underscoring the urgency and wisdom of their action.

Practical Application

Acts 14:6 offers valuable lessons for believers today. It teaches that while courage in the face of adversity is vital, so is wisdom and discernment. There are times when withdrawing from a dangerous situation is not a sign of weakness, but a strategic move to ensure one's continued ability to serve God. The primary goal remains the advancement of God's kingdom, and sometimes that requires a change of location or approach. This verse encourages believers to pray for wisdom in navigating opposition and to remain committed to their spiritual mission, even when circumstances demand flexibility and adaptation, much like all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

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 14:20

    Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

  • Acts 14:21

    And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,

  • 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.

  • Matthew 10:23

    But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

  • Acts 16:1

    ¶ Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek:

  • Acts 16:2

    Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

  • Acts 17:13

    But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

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