Acts 14:7

KJV

And there they preached the gospel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there {G2546} they preached the gospel {G2258}{G2097}.

Complete Jewish Bible

where they continued proclaiming the Good News.

Berean Standard Bible

where they continued to preach the gospel.

American Standard Version

and there they preached the gospel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:7 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the apostolic ministry of Paul and Barnabas, highlighting their unwavering commitment to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ despite severe persecution. Having fled a plot to stone them in Iconium, they immediately resumed their mission in the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, demonstrating their profound dedication to the Great Commission and the boundless nature of the gospel's reach, ensuring its continued expansion into new territories.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:7 serves as a crucial transition point following intense persecution in Iconium. The preceding verses, [Acts 14:1-6](/acts/14-1-6 "Paul and Barnabas Preach in Iconium, Face Opposition"), describe how Paul and Barnabas preached boldly in Iconium, leading to a division in the city and ultimately a violent plot by both Jews and Gentiles to stone them. Their flight to Lystra and Derbe, mentioned in [Acts 14:6](/acts/14-6 "Flight to Lystra and Derbe"), is not a retreat from their calling but a strategic relocation to continue their divine mandate. Verse 7 immediately establishes that upon arrival in these new cities, their primary activity remained unchanged: the proclamation of the gospel, setting the stage for the miraculous healing and subsequent idolatrous reaction that follows in [Acts 14:8-18](/acts/14-8-18 "Healing at Lystra and Paul's Sermon"). This continuity underscores their unwavering commitment to their mission despite adversity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lystra and Derbe were cities in the Roman province of Galatia, specifically in the region of Lycaonia. Unlike Iconium, which had a significant Jewish population and synagogue, Lystra and Derbe were predominantly Gentile cities, likely with smaller or no established Jewish communities. This meant Paul and Barnabas were primarily engaging with pagan populations, whose religious practices involved idol worship and local deities, as evidenced by the subsequent events where the locals attempt to worship them as gods ([Acts 14:11-13](/acts/14-11-13 "Paul and Barnabas Mistaken for Gods")). The Roman road system facilitated travel between these cities, making them accessible points for missionary expansion. The threat of stoning was a recognized form of capital punishment, particularly among Jewish communities for blasphemy, but also used by Roman authorities for various offenses, highlighting the genuine danger the apostles faced.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **perseverance in ministry** despite opposition, a recurring motif as the gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem. The apostles' resilience in the face of threats, as seen here and elsewhere (e.g., [Acts 13:50-51](/acts/13-50-51 "Persecution in Pisidian Antioch")), exemplifies their divine calling. Secondly, it underscores the **centrality of the gospel message**, which remained the core of their proclamation, regardless of audience or circumstance. The "gospel" (good news) of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection was the transformative power they offered. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **missionary expansion**, demonstrating the relentless outward movement of the early church from Judea to the ends of the earth, fulfilling the mandate given by Jesus in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission in Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **there (Greek, _kakeî'_):** From the Greek words `καί` (kai, "and") and `ἐκεῖ` (ekeî, "there"), this adverb literally means "and there" or "likewise in that place." Its inclusion emphasizes the immediate continuation of their mission upon arrival in Lystra and Derbe. It signifies not a pause or retreat, but an immediate resumption of their core activity in a new geographical location, highlighting their unwavering commitment.
* **preached the gospel (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** This verb, derived from `εὖ` (eu, "good") and `ἄγγελος` (angelos, "messenger"), means "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." It specifically refers to the proclamation of the Christian gospel – the glad tidings of salvation through Jesus Christ. The imperfect tense of the verb, indicated by the auxiliary `ἦν` (_ēn_, "was," G2258) in the Greek construction, suggests a continuous or repeated action, indicating that their preaching was not a one-time event but an ongoing ministry in these cities. This term is foundational to understanding the core message and mission of the early church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there":** This opening phrase immediately connects the verse to the preceding narrative, indicating the apostles' arrival in the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe after fleeing persecution in Iconium. The conjunction "And" (καί) signifies continuity, showing that their relocation was not an end to their ministry but a strategic shift. "There" (κἀκεῖ, _kakeî_) specifically points to these new locations, emphasizing that their mission field expanded rather than contracted. It highlights their resilience and determination to continue their work regardless of geographical displacement or past threats.
* **"they preached the gospel":** This is the core action of the verse. "They" refers to Paul and Barnabas. The verb "preached" (εὐηγγελίζοντο, _euangelízonto_, from _euangelízō_) signifies the active and ongoing proclamation of the "gospel" (εὐαγγέλιον, _euangelion_), which is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ – His life, death, resurrection, and the call to repentance and faith. The imperfect tense used here implies that this was their habitual or continuous activity in these new cities, not merely a single sermon. This phrase underscores the centrality of the gospel message to their entire apostolic enterprise and their unwavering commitment to its dissemination.

#### Literary Devices
The concise statement of Acts 14:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The **Juxtaposition** of the apostles' flight from persecution in the preceding verses with their immediate resumption of preaching in this verse powerfully highlights their unwavering commitment and the unstoppable nature of the gospel. This creates a striking contrast between human opposition and divine resolve. The phrase "preached the gospel" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "gospel" stands for the entire message of salvation, including the person and work of Jesus Christ, repentance, and faith. It encapsulates the comprehensive content of their proclamation. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Narrative Compression**, distilling a continuous and probably extensive period of ministry in Lystra and Derbe into a single, impactful statement. This compression serves to emphasize the primary focus of their activity and to propel the narrative forward towards the subsequent events in these cities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:7 profoundly illustrates the inherent nature of the gospel mission: it is an unstoppable force, driven by divine imperative rather than human comfort or safety. The apostles' immediate resumption of preaching after fleeing persecution underscores a core theological truth: the good news of Christ is not confined by geographical boundaries or deterred by opposition. This verse highlights the sovereignty of God in directing His messengers and opening new doors for the gospel, even through adversity. It emphasizes that the church's primary call is to proclaim the transformative message of salvation, recognizing that suffering for the gospel is often an integral part of its advance, as seen throughout the New Testament. The very act of "preaching the gospel" is the means by which God extends His kingdom and calls people to Himself.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")
* [1 Corinthians 9:16](/1_corinthians/9-16 "Paul's Compulsion to Preach")
* [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Gospel Advancement Through Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to re-evaluate our commitment to the gospel in the face of personal or societal resistance. Paul and Barnabas exemplify a tenacious faith that prioritizes the Great Commission above personal safety or comfort. Their immediate act of "preaching the gospel" upon arrival in Lystra and Derbe, despite having just escaped a stoning, serves as a powerful call to unwavering dedication. This verse reminds us that true discipleship involves a readiness to share the good news "in season and out of season," viewing setbacks not as deterrents but as potential redirections for new ministry. It encourages us to maintain the centrality of Christ's message in all our evangelistic efforts, ensuring that our proclamation is always focused on the transformative power of His death and resurrection. Ultimately, it inspires us to embrace a missional posture, recognizing that every new environment, every challenge, and every open door is an opportunity to declare the glorious truth of salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the perseverance of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14:7 challenge my own willingness to share the gospel, especially when faced with discomfort or opposition?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to retreat from my spiritual calling when circumstances become difficult, and how can I cultivate the same immediate dedication shown by the apostles?**
* **Am I truly making the "gospel" – the good news of Jesus Christ – the central and explicit message of my witness, or do I allow other concerns to dilute it?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul and Barnabas flee Iconium instead of staying to preach?**

Answer: Paul and Barnabas fled Iconium not out of fear or abandonment of their mission, but as a strategic and divinely guided response to a direct threat to their lives, as detailed in [Acts 14:5-6](/acts/14-5-6 "Plot to Stone Paul and Barnabas"). Their flight was a tactical retreat to preserve their lives for continued ministry, rather than a surrender. Jesus himself instructed His disciples to "flee to another" city when persecuted ([Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Jesus' Instruction to Flee Persecution")), indicating that such actions are sometimes necessary for the gospel to continue its advance. By moving to Lystra and Derbe, they expanded the reach of the gospel to new regions, demonstrating that persecution can often serve as a catalyst for missionary expansion.

**What is the significance of "preached the gospel" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "preached the gospel" (Greek: _euangelízonto_) is highly significant because it defines the core activity and message of Paul and Barnabas. It signifies that their primary purpose was not merely to teach moral principles or engage in philosophical discourse, but to proclaim the specific "good news" of salvation through Jesus Christ. This included His life, sacrificial death, glorious resurrection, and the call to repentance and faith. The imperfect tense of the verb suggests a continuous and ongoing activity, indicating that this was their consistent practice in these new cities. It underscores the centrality of Christ's message as the transformative power for individuals and communities, aligning with the mandate given by Jesus in [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "The Great Commission in Mark 16:15").

**How does Acts 14:7 relate to the broader theme of missionary journeys in Acts?**

Answer: Acts 14:7 is a microcosm of the broader theme of missionary expansion throughout the book of Acts. It exemplifies the pattern of gospel proclamation, persecution, and subsequent movement to new territories, which characterized Paul's first missionary journey and the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins. The apostles' resilience and commitment to preaching the gospel in new places, even after facing severe threats, demonstrates the unstoppable nature of God's plan to spread His kingdom to the "ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Jesus' Commission to the Disciples")). This verse contributes to the narrative of the church's outward growth, establishing new centers of faith in Gentile regions like Lycaonia, and laying the groundwork for future missionary endeavors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:7, though seemingly a simple statement of fact, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who is the very embodiment of the "gospel" they preached. Jesus was the first and ultimate evangelist, announcing the good news of the Kingdom of God ([Mark 1:14-15](/mark/1-14-15 "Jesus Preaching the Gospel of God")). His entire ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection, *is* the gospel—the good news that God, in Christ, has reconciled the world to Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "God Reconciling the World to Himself")). Paul and Barnabas, by "preaching the gospel," were not merely disseminating information but extending the saving work of Christ through their Spirit-empowered proclamation. Their suffering for the gospel, as seen in the preceding verses, also mirrors Christ's own suffering, which was integral to His mission ([Luke 24:46-47](/luke/24-46-47 "Christ's Suffering and Resurrection Foretold")). Thus, their tireless commitment to evangelism in the face of adversity reflects the steadfast love and redemptive purpose of Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). The "gospel" they preached is the living, active word of Christ, continuing to transform lives and build His church until His glorious return ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")).

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 14:21

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

Acts 16:10

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Acts 14:15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

1 Thessalonians 2:2

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

Acts 17:2

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Acts 8:4

¶ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.