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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 14:26 mean?

Explanation

Acts 14:26 provides the conclusion of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey.

In this verse, the author, Luke, recounts the return of Paul and Barnabas to Antioch in Syria, which was the location from which they were originally commissioned and sent out.

The phrase “recommended to the grace of God” suggests they were entrusted to God’s care and guidance for the mission they undertook.

Their completion of the work refers to the various activities they engaged in during their mission, which included preaching the gospel, making disciples, and establishing churches among the Gentiles.

This verse testifies to the fulfillment of their commitment to spreading Christianity and establishing early church communities despite facing significant hardships.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts is an account of the early Christian church following the ascension of Jesus Christ. Antioch was an important center of early Christianity, often cited as the third-most influential city in the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria.

It was here that believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

The background of Acts 14 involves the first missionary journey, a significant event in the Christian church's history, where Paul and Barnabas journeyed through Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), sharing the Christian message and establishing congregations.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be viewed from different perspectives:

Providential Guidance: The idea that God oversees and directs the mission of the Church.
Apostolic Mission: Emphasizes the role of the apostles as foundational figures in the Church, spreading the gospel and establishing congregations.
Perseverance: Reflects the perseverance and faithfulness required to complete God's work, despite adversity.

Different Christian traditions may emphasize one aspect over another, but commonly, the verse illustrates the successful completion of divine commission.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals and communities to reflect on the following applications:

Trust in God's guidance when entrusted with tasks or missions.
Recognize the importance of community support in fulfilling one's calling.
Be steadfast and committed to completing work, especially ministry work, despite challenges.
Embrace the idea of being sent out, as Paul and Barnabas were, to make a positive difference in the world.

Cross-References

Acts 13:2-3: "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
Acts 11:26: "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch.

And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.

And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."

Acts 15:40: "And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God."
2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key terms in Acts 14:26 hold significant meanings:

"Sailed" (ἀποπλεύσαντες): A common term for departing by ship, indicating a journey's transit.
"Recommended" (παρεδέδοτο): This term conveys the idea of being handed over or entrusted to someone's care, in this case, to the grace of God.
"Grace of God" (χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ): Highlights the unmerited favor and empowerment bestowed by God.
"Work" (ἔργον): Can refer to any task or endeavor, frequently used in the New Testament for ministry work.
"Fulfilled" (ἐπλήρωσαν): Indicates the completion or accomplishment of a task or mission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Jewish tradition, appeals to God's favor and guidance, such as the "sending" of prophets, can be seen as a parallel to the Christian concept of missionary work.
In ancient myths, heroes often embark on arduous journeys with divine sanction or guidance, which can be compared to the apostolic missions in Christian narratives.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse primarily deals with historical events and theological themes rather than natural phenomena.

However, understanding ancient seafaring techniques and the geographical context of Antioch can provide insight into the practical aspects of Paul and Barnabas's journey.

Commentaries

Different Bible commentators have offered various insights into Acts 14:26:

John Gill comments on the divine appointment and faithful execution of the apostles' ministry, emphasizing the commendation and protection of the grace of God.
Matthew Henry focuses on the missionaries' report to their sending church, exemplifying accountability and shared celebration in completing their work.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the significance of Antioch as the starting point and concludes that the journey's outcome strengthened the church's commitment to Gentile missions.

These diverse reflections highlight the richness of interpretation available for a single verse and the multifaceted implications found within the text.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:26 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 14:26 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?