Acts 14:7

And there they preached the gospel.

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

where they continued proclaiming the Good News.

where they continued to preach the gospel.

and there they preached the gospel.

Commentary

Acts 14:7 captures a pivotal moment in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to spreading the message of salvation despite facing intense opposition. This concise verse highlights the core activity of their apostolic mission: proclaiming the good news.

Context

This verse follows a dangerous incident in Iconium, where Paul and Barnabas faced a plot to stone them by both Gentiles and Jews (see Acts 14:5). In response, they fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region. Rather than retreating from ministry, their immediate action upon arrival was to continue their central task. This demonstrates their profound dedication and obedience to their divine calling, understanding that their mission transcended geographical boundaries and personal safety concerns.

Key Themes

  • Perseverance in Ministry: The verse powerfully illustrates the apostles' resilience. Despite persecution and threats to their lives, they did not cease their work. Their flight was not an abandonment of their mission but a strategic relocation to continue proclaiming the gospel message.
  • The Centrality of the Gospel: The phrase "preached the gospel" underscores that the good news of Jesus Christ was the absolute core of their message. It wasn't about philosophical debates or cultural assimilation, but the transformative power of Christ's death, resurrection, and offer of salvation. This aligns with the Great Commission given by Jesus.
  • Missionary Expansion: This event is part of Paul's first missionary journey, detailing the expansion of the early church beyond Judea and into Gentile territories. Lystra and Derbe represent new frontiers for the spread of Christianity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "preached the gospel" is euangelizomai (εὐαγγελίζομαι), which means "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." The noun form, euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), is "gospel" or "good news." This specific terminology highlights that Paul and Barnabas were not just speaking generally; they were delivering a very particular message—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, which included His life, death, and resurrection, and the call to repentance and faith.

Practical Application

Acts 14:7 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It teaches us about:

  • Unwavering Commitment: Even when facing adversity or discomfort, the call to share the hope found in Christ remains.
  • The Message Matters: The primary focus of our outreach should always be the transformative gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • Opportunity in Adversity: What might seem like a setback (fleeing persecution) can become an opportunity for new ministry and spreading the gospel to new regions, just as Paul and Barnabas did in Lystra and Derbe. We are called to be "instant in season, out of season" in our witness.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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