What does Acts 14:20 mean?

Explanation

Acts 14:20 describes an event in the life of the Apostle Paul during his first missionary journey, specifically following an incident where he was stoned and left for dead in the city of Lystra.

According to the verse, Paul miraculously got up after the disciples surrounded him.

Despite the severe trauma he would have recently experienced, Paul's ability to rise and enter the city demonstrates his resilience and perhaps divine protection or healing.

On the following day, he did not rest or seek further medical attention but instead continued his missionary work by departing with his companion Barnabas to the city of Derbe.

This underlines the commitment these early Christians had towards spreading the gospel despite physical dangers.

Historical Context

During the first century, Lystra was a Roman colony in what is now modern-day Turkey.

Paul was on his first missionary journey with Barnabas, and their work often met with both success in conversions and harsh opposition, which sometimes turned violent.

Acts 14:8-19 provides the context for verse 20; Paul heals a man who had been crippled from birth, leading the people of Lystra to think that Paul and Barnabas were gods.

However, Jews from Antioch and Iconium influenced the crowds against them, resulting in Paul being stoned. The historical setting of this verse is in the volatile religious and political atmosphere common in many parts of the Roman Empire.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is often highlighted for its depiction of perseverance and faithfulness in adversity.

Some theologians may see the disciples' presence around Paul as an example of the importance of Christian community in providing support during trials.

Others may interpret Paul's recovery and immediate continuation of his mission as an act of providence and a testament to the power of faith in God's protection and mission.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to stand firm in their beliefs, to support one another in times of hardship, and to remain committed to their callings or missions despite setbacks.

It may serve as an encouragement to persist in the face of persecution or in the aftermath of hardship, with the understanding that strength can come in unexpected ways and often through the support of one's community.

Cross-References

• Acts 14:19 – Explaining what happened to Paul before he rose up.
• 2 Timothy 3:11 – Paul references his persecutions and sufferings, including what happened in Lystra.
• Acts 9:15-16 – Prior indication of Paul's suffering for Christ's name.
• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – Paul speaks about being afflicted but not crushed, a theme that aligns with his experience in Lystra.
• Acts 13:50-51 – Another instance of Paul facing persecution and moving on to continue his work elsewhere.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term for "rose up" is "anistēmi" (ἀνίστημι), which conveys standing up or rising, often with the connotation of resurrection or recovery.

The word for "disciples" is "mathētai" (μαθηταί), denoting learners or followers, in this context, referring to the followers of Jesus who were with Paul.

The term "stood round about him" comes from "kukloō" (κυκλόω), which means to encircle or surround, indicating the disciples were close to Paul, perhaps evidencing their concern and support.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story echoes themes found in other ancient religions and myths, where figures exhibit supernatural resilience or receive divine assistance. For example, the concept of a deity or hero rising from defeat can be found in various mythologies.

However, in the case of Paul, the source of strength is attributed to his faith in the Christian God, and the narrative serves to fortify the identity and resolve of the early Christian community.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, surviving such an ordeal as stoning raises questions about the extent of Paul's injuries and the natural process of his recovery.

While miraculous explanations are part of the religious narrative, some look for potential natural explanations, such as the stoning not being as severe as presumed, Paul losing consciousness with the crowd assuming he was dead, or perhaps even the aid of basic medical treatment of the time helping in his recovery.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse often emphasize the miracle of Paul's survival and immediate recovery.

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that God had more work for Paul to do, which is why he was preserved.

John Gill's exposition underlines that the disciples might have prayed for him, resulting in his apparent restoration to health.

These interpretations vary in the degree to which they attribute Paul's recovery to divine intervention versus the resolute spirit of Paul and his companions.

Most agree that this event underscores the early Christians' dedication to spreading the gospel message regardless of the risks involved.