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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 14:28 mean?

Explanation

Acts 14:28 reads "And there they abode long time with the disciples." This verse concludes the fourteenth chapter of Acts, which details Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey.

After traveling through various regions, performing miracles, facing opposition, and preaching the Gospel, Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, where they had been commissioned.

The verse suggests that both apostles took a period to rest and to spend time with the disciples, most likely sharing news of their journey, teaching, and encouraging the believers in Antioch.

The deeper meaning encompasses the idea of Christian fellowship, restoration after labor, and the importance of sharing testimonies to strengthen and encourage the faith of the community.

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Historical Context

At the time of writing, the early Christian movement was expanding rapidly throughout the Roman Empire.

Antioch, an important city in Syria, had become a significant center for the Christian faith and the launch point for missionary expeditions.

Paul and Barnabas had been sent from this church to evangelize to Gentiles, and upon their return, they fulfilled their obligation to report back to the community that had commissioned them.

The phrase "abode long time" does not specify the exact duration, but it implies a significant period that would allow the community to learn from the experiences of Paul and Barnabas and for the missionaries themselves to recuperate.

Theological Insights

From a theological point of view, Acts 14:28 emphasizes the role of Christian community in the life and ministry of believers.

It shows that mission work, while important, is not the only element of the Christian life. Rest, fellowship, and teaching within the community are also vital.

Some theological viewpoints might also see this resting period as a type of sabbatical, which illustrates the biblical principle of rest after labor, as God rested on the seventh day of creation.

Additionally, this verse reinforces the model of accountability in ministry. Paul and Barnabas returned to report and be transparent about their work. This indicates a practice of oversight and mutual encouragement within the early Church that many denominations strive to emulate today.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage believers today to value and engage in Christian fellowship.

It suggests that time spent in the company of other believers for mutual spiritual encouragement and rest is essential.

For those engaged in ministry work, it underscores the importance of taking time to rest and reflect on the work done, sharing the experiences with others, and engaging with the local Christian community.

It also speaks to the practice of accountability, where those involved in ministry are encouraged to share their challenges and victories with their home community, foster transparency, and gain support and guidance.

Cross-References

Acts 15:35 – "Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also."
Acts 18:23 – "And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples."
Galatians 6:2 – "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Hebrews 10:25 – "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "abode" is "διέτριβον" (dietribon), which is in the imperfect tense, indicating a continuous action in the past. It implies that Paul and Barnabas stayed for an undefined, ongoing period rather than a brief visit.

The term "disciples" in this context refers to the followers or students of Jesus, derived from the Greek word "μαθητάς" (mathētas), indicating those who learn and adhere to Jesus' teachings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In broader cultural and religious contexts, a time of rest and reflection after a period of work or a pilgrimage is common.

For example, in Judaism, the Sabbath is a day of rest commanded by God after six days of labor.

In Islam, after the Hajj pilgrimage, Muslims often spend time reflecting on their spiritual journey.

Ancient Greek and Roman cultures also had periods of rest and festivals after significant work or events.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the value of rest, as suggested by this verse, is well-documented.

Studies have shown that rest and recovery are vital for physical, mental, and emotional health.

Psychologically, sharing experiences with a supportive community has been found to reduce stress and improve overall well-being, which aligns with the practice of Paul and Barnabas sharing their missionary experiences with the disciples in Antioch.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that Paul and Barnabas not only reported the success of their mission but also the tribulations they faced, reinforcing the understanding that the Christian ministry involves both joy and suffering.

The Pulpit Commentary points out that their long stay was likely necessary for the apostles to rest and recover from the perils they had encountered during their travels.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible highlights the spiritual refreshment offered by fellowship with other believers, as Paul and Barnabas would have enjoyed the company of kindred spirits in Antioch.

These commentaries underscore the multifaceted role that the time in Antioch served for the apostles and the early Christian community.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:28 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 14:28 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?