Acts 14

Acts 14 details Paul and Barnabas' missionary efforts in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, cities in the region of Lycaonia. This chapter highlights their preaching, the opposition they faced, the miraculous healings performed, and the subsequent reactions from the local populations, ranging from worship to persecution. The chapter concludes with their return to Antioch in Syria, where they report on the success of their mission to open the gospel to the Gentiles.

Acts 14:1-5 (NKJV) Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.

In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas preached effectively in the synagogue, leading to many Jews and Greeks converting. However, opposition from unbelieving Jews incited the Gentiles against them. Despite this, they continued to preach courageously, supported by miraculous signs. The city's population was split in their support. When the threat of violence escalated, including plans to stone them, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe for safety.

Acts 14:6-7 (NKJV) And they were aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. And they were preaching the gospel there.

After escaping from Iconium, Paul and Barnabas continued their mission in Lystra and Derbe, spreading the gospel in these new locations, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their evangelistic calling despite the threats they faced.

Acts 14:8-10 (NKJV) And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" And he leaped and walked.

In Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been crippled since birth, demonstrating the power of faith and the gospel. The man’s healing served as a powerful testament to the divine authority backing Paul and Barnabas, sparking significant attention from the local populace.

Acts 14:11-13 (NKJV) And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the crowds.

The miraculous healing led the people of Lystra to mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods, specifically Zeus and Hermes. This reflects the polytheistic culture of the time, where divine interactions were often misconstrued as the work of their familiar deities. The locals’ attempt to offer sacrifices underscores the profound impact of the miracle on their beliefs.

Acts 14:14-18 (NKJV) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to go their own ways. Yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." And with these sayings, they could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.

Paul and Barnabas, distressed by the misinterpretation of their acts as divine, emphatically rejected the worship directed at them, urging the crowd to turn to the true God who created all things. They emphasized their own humanity and pointed to God's providence as evident through natural blessings, struggling to redirect the people’s religious fervor towards the true Creator.

Acts 14:19-20 (NKJV) Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

The arrival of Jews from Antioch and Iconium incited the crowd to violence against Paul, resulting in him being stoned and left for dead. Miraculously, he survived, supported by fellow disciples, and continued his missionary work, showcasing remarkable resilience and commitment to his mission despite severe persecution.

Acts 14:21-23 (NKJV) And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." So when they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

After facing persecution, Paul and Barnabas not only continued to preach and gain converts in Derbe but also returned to the cities where they had been threatened. They strengthened the existing believers, emphasizing the inevitability of hardships in the Christian journey and organizing the early church by appointing elders, demonstrating the importance of leadership and community in sustaining faith.

Acts 14:24-28 (NKJV) And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Concluding their missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas passed through several regions, continuing to preach and finally returning to Antioch in Syria. Their report to the church highlighted the successes of their mission and the opening of the gospel to the Gentiles, marking a significant expansion of the early Christian movement. This return also provided them with a time of rest and fellowship with the believers in Antioch.