Acts 14
Acts 14 records the course of the ministry that Paul and Barnabas experienced as they preached the gospel in various cities of the region of Asia Minor (including Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, etc.). In this chapter, we see how the gospel is welcomed and opposed as it spreads to both Jews and Gentiles, along with the growth of the early church.
1verseIn Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
2verseBut the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers.
3verseTherefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4verseBut the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Jews and part with the apostles.
5verseWhen some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them,
6versethey became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region.
7verseThere they preached the Good News.
8verseAt Lystra a certain man sat, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked.
9verseHe was listening to Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes on him and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,
10versesaid with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” He leaped up and walked.
11verseWhen the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”
12verseThey called Barnabas “Jupiter”, and Paul “Mercury”, because he was the chief speaker.
13verseThe priest of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have made a sacrifice along with the multitudes.
14verseBut when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes and sprang into the multitude, crying out,
15verse“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of the same nature as you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
16versewho in the generations gone by allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.
17verseYet he didn’t leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
18verseEven saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them.
19verseBut some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
20verseBut as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe.
21verseWhen they had preached the Good News to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
22versestrengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom.
23verseWhen they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord on whom they had believed.
24verseThey passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.
25verseWhen they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26verseFrom there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.
27verseWhen they had arrived and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations.
28verseThey stayed there with the disciples for a long time.
Ministry in Iconium (Verses 1-7)
- Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue in Iconium and boldly proclaimed the gospel.
- Many Jews and Greeks believed, but some Jews opposed them, inciting the Gentiles and causing persecution.
- So the two apostles withdrew from the threatening danger and went to another region, yet even in that process, God’s grace accompanied them, and signs and wonders followed.
Miracles and Misunderstanding in Lystra (Verses 8-20)
- In Lystra, there is an account of a miracle event in which a man who was lame from birth is healed.
- Because of this, the people of the area mistakenly think of Paul and Barnabas as gods and try to offer sacrifices, but the two apostles humbly stop them and emphasize the gospel of the living God.
- However, due to the instigation of Jews who came from outside, Paul is stoned and seems to be near death, but miraculously he gets up and enters the city again.
Evangelism in Derbe and a Return Visit (Verses 21-23)
- In Derbe, the gospel is preached, and many people become disciples.
- After that, Paul and Barnabas revisit cities where they had already preached the gospel—such as Iconium, Lystra, and Antioch—establishing churches and encouraging believers.
- In particular, in each church they appointed elders, fasted, and prayed.
Ministry Report and Return (Verses 24-28)
- Paul and Barnabas pass through Pisidia and then return to the Antioch church, where they were originally sent out.
- They share reports of the journey of their ministry and the grace of God at work among the Gentiles, and they also talk together about how many doors God opened for them.
Points for Reflection
- Gospel ministry involves opposition and hardship, but even in the middle of it, God’s work does not stop—it continues.
- Even amid misunderstanding, trials, and danger, the apostles’ attitude of holding on to the core of the gospel, and leadership marked by humility and truth, serve as an important example for the church and for us today.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- As you proclaim the truth of the gospel or do what is right, let’s remember that we may experience misunderstanding and trials, as well as criticism from outside. Then, we can learn how important it is to trust God’s guidance and to respond with boldness and humility—not fear.
- To see the fruit of the gospel grow in my own life, let’s reflect on the need for courage, perseverance, and prayer to consistently have a positive influence in the place where we live.