Acts 14:5

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,

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},

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

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

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

Acts 14:5 describes a critical moment in the early missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and Barnabas, specifically during their time in Iconium. It vividly portrays the escalating hostility they faced as the Gospel spread, highlighting the intense opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities.

Context

This verse follows Paul and Barnabas's successful ministry in Iconium, where they spoke boldly in the synagogue, leading to a great number of both Jews and Greeks believing (Acts 14:1). However, not all were receptive. The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. This verse reveals the culmination of that unrest: a unified and violent plot by opposing factions to brutally mistreat and even kill the apostles. Their ministry was powerful, but it also provoked a strong, often violent, reaction.

Key Themes

  • Persecution of the Gospel: The verse clearly illustrates the immediate and severe persecution faced by the early church and its missionaries. The message of Christ often challenges established norms and beliefs, leading to fierce resistance.
  • United Opposition: It's significant that both "Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers" conspired against Paul and Barnabas. This shows a rare unity among often disparate groups when it came to opposing the new Christian faith, underscoring the widespread threat they perceived from the apostles' teachings.
  • Suffering for Christ: The apostles were not exempt from suffering; in fact, it was an expected part of their call (Acts 9:16). This verse foreshadows the physical dangers they would continue to face, including Paul's own stoning later in Lystra (Acts 14:19).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to use them despitefully" translates the Greek word hybrizō (ὑβρίζω), which means to treat with insolence, outrage, insult, or abuse. It implies a combination of violent physical mistreatment and public humiliation, reflecting a desire not just to harm, but to disgrace and degrade. The intent to "stone them" signifies an attempt at execution, a common method for perceived blasphemy or serious religious offenses in the Jewish context, though here adopted by a broader coalition.

Practical Application

Acts 14:5 reminds believers that proclaiming the truth of the Gospel can often elicit strong, even hostile, reactions. It encourages Christians to:

  • Be Prepared for Opposition: Following Christ does not guarantee an easy path. Opposition, whether verbal abuse or more severe forms of persecution, is a historical reality for those who boldly share their faith.
  • Trust in God's Providence: Despite the clear danger, Paul and Barnabas were supernaturally protected, as they were forewarned and able to escape to Lystra (Acts 14:6). This highlights God's ongoing watch over His servants.
  • Persevere in Faith: The apostles did not cease their mission in the face of threats. Their unwavering commitment serves as an example of perseverance for all who seek to live out and share their faith, even when facing adversity.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 14:19 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 4:29 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 2:1 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 2:3 (2 votes)

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