Acts 14
Acts 14 is part of “Paul's First Missionary Journey” (13–14) in the outline of Acts.
Acts 14 summary
We have, in this chapter, a further account of the progress of the gospel, by the ministry of Paul and Barnabas among the Gentiles; it goes on conquering and to conquer, yet meeting with opposition, as before, among the unbelieving Jews. Here is, I. Their successful preaching of the gospel for some time at Iconium, and their being driven thence by the violence of their persecutors, both Jews and Gentiles, and forced into the neighbouring countries (Act 14:1-7). II.
Read the full introduction
We have, in this chapter, a further account of the progress of the gospel, by the ministry of Paul and Barnabas among the Gentiles; it goes on conquering and to conquer, yet meeting with opposition, as before, among the unbelieving Jews. Here is, I. Their successful preaching of the gospel for some time at Iconium, and their being driven thence by the violence of their persecutors, both Jews and Gentiles, and forced into the neighbouring countries (Act 14:1-7). II. Their healing a lame man at Lystra, and the profound veneration which the people conceived of them thereupon, which they had much ado to keep from running into an extreme (Act 14:8-18). III. The outrage of the people against Paul, at the instigation of the Jews, the effect of which was that they stoned him, as they thought, to death; but he was wonderfully restored to life (Act 14:19, Act 14:20). IV. The visit which Paul and Barnabas made to the churches which they had planted, to confirm them, and put them into order (Act 14:21-23). V. They return to Antioch, whence they were sent forth; the good they did by the way, and the report they made to the church of Antioch of their expedition, and, if I may so say, of the campaign they had made (Act 14:24-28).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Acts 14 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
1And it came to passe in Iconium, that they went both together into the Synagogue of the Iewes, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Iewes and of the Grecians beleeued. 2And the vnbeleeuing Iewes stirred vp, and corrupted the mindes of the Gentiles against the brethren. 3So therefore they abode there a long time, and spake boldly in the Lord, which gaue testimonie vnto the woord of his grace, and caused signes and woders to be done by their hands. 4But the multitude of the city was deuided: and some were with the Iewes, and some with the Apostles. 5And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and of the Iewes with their rulers, to doe them violence, and to stone them, 6They were ware of it, and fled vnto Lystra, and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and vnto the region round about, 7And there preached the Gospel.
A Cripple Healed at Lystra
8Nowe there sate a certaine man at Lystra, impotent in his feete, which was a creeple from his mothers wombe, who had neuer walked. 9He heard Paul speake: who beholding him, and perceiuing that he had faith to be healed, 10Said with a loude voyce, Stand vpright on thy feete. And he leaped vp, and walked. 11Then when the people sawe what Paul had done, they lift vp their voyces, saying in ye speach of Lycaonia, Gods are come downe to vs in the likenesse of men. 12And they called Barnabas, Iupiter: and Paul, Mercurius, because hee was the chiefe speaker. 13Then Iupiters priest, which was before their citie, brought bulles with garlands vnto the gates, and would haue sacrificed with the people. 14But when the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard it, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying, 15And saying, O men, why doe yee these things? We are euen men subiect to the like passions that yee be, and preache vnto you, that yee shoulde turne from these vaine things vnto the liuing God, which made heauen and earth, and the sea, and all things that in them are: 16Who in times past suffered all the Gentiles to walke in their owne waies. 17Neuerthelesse, hee left not him selfe without witnes, in that hee did good and gaue vs raine from heauen, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with foode, and gladnesse. 18And speaking these things, scarce appeased they the multitude, that they had not sacrificed vnto them. 19Then there came certaine Iewes from Antiochia and Iconium, which when they had persuaded the people, stoned Paul, and drewe him out of the citie, supposing he had bene dead. 20Howbeit, as the disciples stoode rounde about him, hee arose vp, and came into the citie, and the next day hee departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
The Return to Antioch
21And after they had preached the glad tidings of the Gospel to that citie, and had taught many, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antiochia, 22Confirming the disciples hearts, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, affirming that we must through many afflictions enter into the kingdome of God. 23And when they had ordeined them Elders by election in euery Church, and prayed, and fasted, they commended them to the Lord in whome they beleeued. 24Thus they went throughout Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia. 25And when they had preached the woorde in Perga, they came downe to Attalia, 26And thence sailed to Antiochia, from whence they had bene comended vnto the grace of God, to the woorke, which they had fulfilled. 27And when they were come and had gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all the things that God had done by them, and howe he had opened the doore of faith vnto the Gentiles. 28So there they abode a long time with the disciples.