What does Acts 14:19 mean?

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. Acts 14:19

Explanation

Acts 14:19 presents a dramatic moment in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. This verse depicts an intense situation where Paul is facing persecution at the hands of certain Jews who have traveled from Antioch and Iconium to Lystra, where Paul is preaching. These individuals are successful in influencing the crowd against Paul, to the point where they stone him and drag him outside the city, leaving him for dead. This event is literal in its description of the violence Paul suffered for his missionary efforts. However, it also carries a deeper meaning as it illustrates the extreme opposition that early Christians faced while spreading their faith. Additionally, it emphasizes the resilience and commitment of the apostles and early Christian missionaries.

Historical Context

The verse occurs during Paul’s first missionary journey, which is recorded in the Book of Acts, chapters 13 and 14. Paul, along with Barnabas, traveled through various regions, including Antioch in Pisidia (not to be confused with Antioch in Syria) and Iconium, preaching the gospel and establishing churches. Their teachings were often met with mixed reactions, with some accepting the message and others vehemently opposed. In the Roman Empire during this time, Christianity was not an accepted religion, and its followers often faced persecution from both Jewish authorities who viewed it as a heretical sect of Judaism, and later by the Roman authorities who saw it as a threat to the civic order and traditional Roman deities.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that his followers would face persecution, as stated in John 15:20: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” For some theologians, this event is also seen as a ‘baptism of suffering’ that Paul endures as part of his apostolic calling. Others interpret Paul’s survival as a miraculous sign of God’s protection over his missionaries and the continuation of the Christian mission despite opposition.

Practical Applications

Acts 14:19 can serve as an example of faith and perseverance under trial. Believers may find inspiration in Paul’s experience to stand firm in their convictions, even when facing opposition or persecution. This event also encourages Christians to support one another, as later verses in Acts 14 describe the disciples gathering around Paul, which leads to his recovery and continued ministry.

Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 3:12: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
• Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
• Acts 9:16: “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
• John 15:20: “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Acts 14:19, key words include:

• “Jews” (Ἰουδαῖοι – Ioudaioi): Typically used to describe individuals of Jewish ethnicity or religion.
• “Persuaded” (πείθω – peithō): Meaning to convince or win over, indicating that the agitators were able to sway the crowd’s opinion against Paul.
• “Stoned” (λιθοβολέω – lithoboleō): This word describes the act of throwing stones, a common method of execution for blasphemy and other crimes under Jewish law.
• “Drew” (σύρω – syrō): This verb suggests dragging or pulling, and in this context indicates forcibly removing Paul from the city.
• “Supposing” (νομίζω – nomizō): Believing or assuming; in this case, the crowd assumed that Paul was dead.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The stoning of Paul resonates with other ancient practices of capital punishment where stoning was used, as can be found in various cultures of the ancient Near East. In terms of religious comparisons, the stoning of Paul contrasts with some ancient myths in which divine beings suffer but eventually are vindicated or exalted, a theme which can be seen in Christ’s resurrection and, by extension, in Paul’s eventual recovery and continuation of his mission.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the survival of Paul after being stoned and left for dead might be examined through the lens of medical science, which provides explanations for how individuals can survive severe trauma with varying degrees of injury and recovery processes. Additionally, the crowd dynamics and the psychology of persuasion as seen in the Jews convincing the crowd are subjects of study in modern social psychology.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide insights on Acts 14:19:

• John Calvin comments on the irony that Paul’s near-death experience comes shortly after he had just been considered a god by the same people in Lystra in the earlier verses of Acts 14.
• Matthew Henry emphasizes the fickleness of public opinion and the danger of popularity, noting how quickly people can turn against someone they once revered.
• More contemporary scholars like F.F. Bruce discuss the resilience of Paul’s missionary activity despite the dangers he faced and what his sufferings indicate about his apostolic calling.