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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 14:21 mean?

Explanation

Acts 14:21 describes a significant part of the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, specifically their return trip to the cities in which they had previously preached.

The verse informs us that after successfully sharing the gospel in a city (which is not named here but earlier identified as Derbe), they decided to retrace their steps to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia.

Their purpose was not just to spread the gospel anew but also to strengthen the disciples they had made in these cities, reinforcing the teachings and encouraging them to continue in the faith.

This return visit suggests a pastoral concern for the new believers and an understanding of the need for ongoing teaching and support, especially in the face of persecution and challenges these early Christians would have encountered.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 14:21 occurs during Paul's first missionary journey, which is traditionally dated around 47-48 A.D.

His travels were primarily through the region of Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey.

During this time, Christianity was spreading rapidly, but new churches and believers faced significant challenges, including cultural opposition, religious persecution, and the need for more mature faith and doctrine.

Paul's strategy included not only evangelism but also the strengthening and revisiting of churches he had founded to ensure they were firmly established.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints emphasize various parts of Acts 14:21:

Evangelical Perspective: Evangelicals often focus on the missionary aspect of this verse, seeing in Paul's efforts a model for evangelism and church planting.
Catholic Perspective: The Catholic viewpoint might stress the apostolic authority and the teaching role Paul plays, analogous to the ongoing teaching authority of the church through its magisterium.
Orthodox Perspective: The Orthodox tradition could emphasize the perseverance in the faith that Paul encourages, aligning with the Orthodox focus on theosis or ongoing spiritual development toward union with God.
Mainline Protestant Perspective: These denominations might interpret this verse as a model for social engagement and the development of community in the church, as Paul does not leave the new converts isolated but anchors them in a community.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 14:21 encourages modern believers to consider several applications:

Followers of Christ are urged to disciple new believers, investing in their growth and standing by them amidst difficulties.
The verse highlights the importance of community in the Christian life, hinting that faith is not just a personal journey but one to be walked together.
Missionaries and pastors can see a model in Paul's ministry – evangelizing, establishing churches, and then returning to strengthen those churches.

Cross-References

Acts 13:51 – "But they shook off the dust of their feet against them and came unto Iconium."
Acts 16:5 – "And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."
Matthew 28:19-20 – "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
2 Timothy 2:2 – "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of Acts 14:21 include:

"Gospel" (εὐαγγελίζομενοι, euangelizomenoi): Refers to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
"City" (πόλιν, polin): This term means city or town and is general in this verse, though earlier in Acts 14, Derbe is mentioned.
"Taught" (μαθητεύσαντες, mathēteusantes): This is the same root as "disciple," indicating an intensive form of teaching or making disciples.
"Returned again" (ὑπέστρεψαν, hupstrepsan): This indicates a turning back or revisiting, emphasizing that Paul and Barnabas made a conscious effort to go back to these cities.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The missionary activities of Paul and Barnabas can be compared to other religious movements in the ancient world where teachers would travel to spread their philosophies.

The perseverance they exemplify is also seen in other religious traditions like Buddhism and Judaism, where travelling teachers or rabbis would revisit communities to strengthen their understanding of the teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

While not directly related to science, the actions described in Acts 14:21 can be supported by psychological and sociological understandings of community formation, the positive effects of mentorship, and the needs of nascent groups for reinforcement, especially in ideologically challenging environments.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on this verse offer insights into the significance of Paul's missionary strategies:

John Calvin sees this as an example of the pastoral care needed to prevent churches from falling into disorder.
Matthew Henry discusses the value of confirming the souls of disciples, suggesting that they need to be strengthened in faith and resolution.
William Barclay emphasizes the sake of "strengthening" and the necessity of a follow-up process in evangelism.
**F.F.

Bruce** often describes the historical and cultural importance of strengthening the newly found churches in the face of external pressures and internal challenges.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:21 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 14:21 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?