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Acts 14

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

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,

They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

And there they preached the gospel.

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

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:

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

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.

Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

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

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

What does Acts 14:2 mean?

Explanation

The passage from Acts 14:2, "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren," occurs within a narrative where Paul and Barnabas are preaching in Iconium.

The verse describes the opposition they faced from some members of the Jewish community, who were not convinced by their message about Jesus Christ.

These Jews are depicted as inciting the non-Jewish population (the Gentiles) by poisoning their minds against the new Christian converts referred to as "the brethren." The term "evil affected" indicates that the Jews in question successfully biased the Gentiles to hold a negative or hostile attitude towards the Christian community.

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Historical Context

This event takes place during Paul's first missionary journey, as recorded in the Book of Acts in the New Testament.

Iconium was an ancient Greek city in what is now Turkey.

During this time, the early Christian movement was spreading, often encountering resistance from various sectors, including Jewish communities and Roman authorities.

The resistance was partly due to the revolutionary nature of Christian teachings, which challenged existing religious beliefs and potentially threatened the social order.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse demonstrates the difficulty of the Christian mission in the face of opposition. The resistance from the unbelieving Jews represents a recurrent theme in the New Testament, wherein the gospel message often polarized communities.

Some theologians might interpret this opposition as a fulfillment of Jesus' predictions that his followers would be persecuted. Others may see it as a reflection of the struggle between the old covenant with the Jewish people and the new covenant offered through Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by acknowledging that proclaiming one's beliefs may lead to opposition and conflict. It also underscores the importance of resilience in the face of such adversity.

Additionally, it encourages individuals to examine how easily they can be influenced by others to hold prejudices against people with differing beliefs, underscoring the need for critical thinking and understanding.

Cross-References

Acts 13:50: "But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."
1 Thessalonians 2:14-16: "For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews."
Matthew 10:22: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, two key words stand out in this verse: 1.

"Apeithountes" (ἀπειθοῦντες): Translated as "unbelieving," which implies active disobedience or willful rejection rather than mere unbelief or ignorance. 2.

"Kakoo" (κακόω): Translated as "evil affected," which suggests not just an evil disposition but the act of making something worse or harming someone's opinion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this situation to other ancient cultures, one can find parallels in how new religious movements often faced resistance from established religious and social orders.

For instance, in ancient Rome, early Christians were viewed with suspicion and often persecuted for their refusal to worship the Roman gods.

This dynamic is not unique to Christianity; many new religious movements throughout history have faced similar pushback.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, this verse touches upon the psychological aspect of group dynamics and influence.

Modern social psychology explores how individuals and groups can influence attitudes and behaviors of others, often leading to prejudice or hostility.

This scientific perspective might shed light on the mechanisms through which the Jews mentioned in the verse were able to "stir up" the Gentiles against the Christians.

Commentaries

Various commentaries have provided insights on Acts 14:2.

Matthew Henry's commentary sees this as a demonstration of how the gospel was met with hostility by those who felt their own positions threatened.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible discusses the motive behind the unbelieving Jews' actions as rooted in envy and malice.

The New International Commentary on the New Testament elaborates on the societal division and separation that followed Paul and Barnabas's preaching, illuminating the tensions inherent in the undertaking of spreading Christianity in a world with entrenched Jewish and pagan belief systems.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 14:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?