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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 14:3 mean?

Explanation

Acts 14:3 focuses on the apostles Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journey, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

This verse highlights their perseverance in preaching despite opposition.

The key themes are the boldness of the apostles in speaking, the Lord's endorsement of their message through miracles, and the notion that the miracles performed by the apostles are a testament to the divine nature of their message.

The "word of his grace" refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, God's grace in offering salvation to humanity through Jesus.

Miracles and signs are seen as a divine stamp of approval, showing that their message is not of human invention but divinely inspired and empowered.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 14:3 is situated within the period of the early Christian Church, after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Paul and Barnabas were on their first missionary journey, notably in Iconium during the events of Acts 14.

The larger historical context includes the Roman Empire's dominance, where diverse religious and philosophical beliefs coexisted and often clashed with the new Christian doctrine.

Understanding the risks faced by early Christians preaching what was seen by many as a subversive message provides insight into the adversities Paul and Barnabas faced, making their boldness and the occurrence of signs and wonders all the more significant.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 14:3 suggests several key insights:

Divine Validation: The verse implies that authentic preaching of the gospel is accompanied by God's power.
Perseverance under Persecution: The ability of the apostles to continue to boldly preach in the face of opposition is often seen as evidence of their divine calling and the truth of their message.
Faith and Works: Some theologians may see this verse as a balance between faith (bold speaking) and works (signs and wonders), suggesting that both are integral to the Christian witness.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life in several ways:

Boldness in Witness: Believers can find encouragement to speak the truth boldly and stand firm in their convictions, regardless of opposition.
Trust in Divine Support: Christians might be comforted in knowing that God can endorse their faithful actions with clear demonstrations of His power.
Perseverance: The verse serves as a reminder to persist in good works, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.

Cross-References

Mark 16:20 - "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

Amen."

Hebrews 2:4 - "God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?"
2 Corinthians 12:12 - "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of this verse, significant words include:

"boldly" (παρρησία, parrēsia): Refers to speaking openly, with confidence, without fear.
"the Lord" (ὁ Κύριος, ho Kyrios): A term used to refer to God or Jesus Christ, indicating divine authority.
"word" (λόγος, logos): Can mean "message" or "teaching," here referring specifically to the gospel.
"grace" (χάρις, charis): Denotes favor or kindness, particularly unearned mercy God bestows on humanity.
"testimony" (μαρτύριον, martyrion): Implies witness or evidence, suggesting that the signs and wonders are a testimony to the truth of the apostles' message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Miracles and signs are common elements in ancient religions and myths. Comparable stories can be found where gods endorse individuals or messages with supernatural occurrences. For example, in Greco-Roman mythology, gods often exhibited their favor through signs and wonders.

However, in the Christian context, these serve not only as demonstrations of power but also as signs pointing to the establishment of God's kingdom and the truth of the gospel.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective typically holds that miracles defy natural laws, and therefore, scientific inquiry might label such accounts as unverifiable or symbolic rather than literal occurrences.

However, this verse is significant in the discussion of faith and reason, as it brings up questions about the potential for divine action beyond what can be empirically measured or understood through natural sciences.

Commentaries

Commentators such as Matthew Henry and John Gill delve into the steadfastness of the apostles in the face of opposition, emphasizing the divine backing they received through signs and wonders.

Henry notes that the miracles wrought by the apostles' hands were God's seal to their doctrine, validating their message.

Gill discusses the idea of grace attached to the word and message preached by the apostles, reflecting God's willingness to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins.

Contemporary scholars often focus on how this passage reflects the early church's experience and identity, especially in relation to facing external threats and internal growth.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:3 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 14:3 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?