Acts Chapter 14

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

1And 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. 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3Long 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. 4But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5And 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, 6They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7And there they preached the gospel.

The Visit to Lystra and Derbe

8And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11And 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. 12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15And 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: 16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17Nevertheless 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. 18And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

19And 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. 20Howbeit, 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.

The Return to Syrian Antioch

21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22Confirming 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. 23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

The Report to the Church at Antioch

26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27And 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. 28And there they abode long time with the disciples.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

1 It happened in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed. 2 But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3 Therefore 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. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them, 6 they became aware of it, and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region. 7 There they preached the Good News.

The Visit to Lystra and Derbe

8 At Lystra a certain man sat, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked. 9 He was listening to Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes on him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” He leaped up and walked. 11 When 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!” 12 They called Barnabas “Jupiter,” and Paul “Mercury,” because he was the chief speaker. 13 The 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. 14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes, and sprang into the multitude, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them; 16 who in the generations gone by allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet 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.” 18 Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them.

19 But 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. 20 But 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.

Strengthening the Disciples

21 When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdom of God. 23 When 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.

24 They passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia. 25 When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. 27 When 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. 28 They stayed there with the disciples for a long time.

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

1 At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so well that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

4 The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles. 5 But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region, 7 where they continued to preach the gospel.

The Visit to Lystra and Derbe

8 In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9 This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed. 10 In a loud voice Paul called out, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk.

11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 15 “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16 In past generations, He let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”

18 Even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could hardly stop the crowds from sacrificing to them.

19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

Strengthening the Disciples

21 They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

24 After passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed. 27 When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent a long time there with the disciples.

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

1And it came to pass in Iconium, that they did enter together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spake, so that there believed both of Jews and Greeks a great multitude; 2and the unbelieving Jews did stir up and made evil the souls of the nations against the brethren; 3long time, indeed, therefore, did they abide speaking boldly in the Lord, who is testifying to the word of His grace, and granting signs and wonders to come to pass through their hands. 4And the multitude of the city was divided, and some were with the Jews, and some with the apostles, 5and when there was a purpose both of the nations and of the Jews with their rulers to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6they having become aware, did flee to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe, and to the region round about, 7and there they were proclaiming good news.

The Visit to Lystra and Derbe

8And a certain man in Lystra, impotent in the feet, was sitting, being lame from the womb of his mother -- who never had walked, 9this one was hearing Paul speaking, who, having stedfastly beheld him, and having seen that he hath faith to be saved, 10said with a loud voice, 'Stand up on thy feet upright;' and he was springing and walking, 11and the multitudes having seen what Paul did, did lift up their voice, in the speech of Lycaonia, saying, 'The gods, having become like men, did come down unto us;' 12they were calling also Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes, since he was the leader in speaking. 13And the priest of the Zeus that is before their city, oxen and garlands unto the porches having brought, with the multitudes did wish to sacrifice, 14and having heard, the apostles Barnabas and Paul, having rent their garments, did spring into the multitude, crying 15and saying, 'Men, why these things do ye? and we are men like-affected with you, proclaiming good news to you, from these vanities to turn unto the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all the things in them; 16who in the past generations did suffer all the nations to go on in their ways, 17though, indeed, without witness He did not leave himself, doing good -- from heaven giving rains to us, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness;' 18and these things saying, scarcely did they restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

19And there came thither, from Antioch and Iconium, Jews, and they having persuaded the multitudes, and having stoned Paul, drew him outside of the city, having supposed him to be dead; 20and the disciples having surrounded him, having risen he entered into the city, and on the morrow he went forth with Barnabas to Derbe.

The Return to Syrian Antioch

21Having proclaimed good news also to that city, and having discipled many, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch, 22confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting to remain in the faith, and that through many tribulations it behoveth us to enter into the reign of God, 23and having appointed to them by vote elders in every assembly, having prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

24And having passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia, 25and having spoken in Perga the word, they went down to Attalia,

The Report to the Church at Antioch

26and thence did sail to Antioch, whence they had been given by the grace of God for the work that they fulfilled; 27and having come and gathered together the assembly, they declared as many things as God did with them, and that He did open to the nations a door of faith; 28and they abode there not a little time with the disciples.

Paul and Barnabas in Iconium

¹ At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of both Jews and Gentiles believed. ² But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. ³ So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. ⁴ The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. ⁵ There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. ⁶ But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, ⁷ where they continued to preach the gospel.

Paul Heals a Crippled Man in Lystra

⁸ In Lystra, there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. ⁹ He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed, ¹⁰ and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

¹¹ When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: ¹⁵ “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, just like you! We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. ¹⁶ In the past, He let all nations go their own way. ¹⁷ Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” ¹⁸ Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

Paul Is Stoned and Left for Dead

¹⁹ Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

Strengthening the Disciples

²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. ²³ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

The Return to Antioch in Syria

²⁴ After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, ²⁵ and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. ²⁶ From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. ²⁷ On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Footnotes:

14:2: The division between the Jews and Gentiles reveals the challenges the apostles faced in spreading the gospel in cities with diverse beliefs and strong opposition.

14:10: The healing of the lame man emphasizes the power of faith in the miraculous work of God, where even the least likely were restored.

14:12: The crowd’s reaction, mistaking Paul and Barnabas for Greek gods, shows the deeply ingrained pagan beliefs of the people in Lystra and highlights the apostles’ struggle to convey the true God.

14:15: Tearing their clothes was a Jewish expression of grief and outrage, showing Paul and Barnabas’ strong rejection of being treated like gods.

14:17: Paul appeals to natural theology, pointing out that even those who do not know the Scriptures can see God’s hand in creation through the blessings of nature and seasons.

14:19: The stoning of Paul is a dramatic reminder of the dangers the apostles faced; yet, miraculously, he survived, underscoring his dedication to the gospel.

14:23: The appointment of elders demonstrates the apostles’ commitment to establishing strong leadership within the new Christian communities, ensuring their continued growth and support.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Acts 14?

1.1Introduction to Acts 14

1.2Context of Acts 14

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Acts 14 Unique Insights

1.6Acts 14 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Acts 14 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Acts 14 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Acts 14?

Introduction to Acts 14

Acts 14 stands as a pivotal chapter in the chronicles of early church expansion, documenting Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey through the cities of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This narrative showcases the remarkable spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish territories into Gentile lands, marked by dramatic events including miraculous healings, persecution, and even an attempt by pagans to worship the apostles as gods.

The chapter powerfully illustrates the tension between divine power and human weakness, as well as the complex interplay between Jewish tradition and Gentile culture in the early Messianic movement. Through persecution and triumph, we witness the unwavering commitment of the apostles to their mission and the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit in establishing new communities of believers.

Context of Acts 14

Within the broader narrative of Acts, chapter 14 continues the account of Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey that began in Acts 13:1. This journey represents a significant shift in the book’s focus from Jerusalem-centered ministry to intentional Gentile outreach, fulfilling Yeshua’s command in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.”

The chapter sits at a crucial juncture in the early Messianic movement’s development. It precedes the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15, where the question of Gentile inclusion would be formally addressed. The experiences recorded here – particularly the successful establishment of mixed Jewish-Gentile congregations – would serve as practical evidence in that upcoming debate about Gentile acceptance without full conversion to Judaism.

In the larger biblical narrative, Acts 14 demonstrates the fulfillment of numerous prophetic promises about the light of Israel reaching the Gentiles, such as Isaiah 49:6. It shows how the covenant promises made to Abraham about blessing all nations (Genesis 12:3) were being realized through the Messiah’s followers.

Ancient Key Word Study

“Signs and wonders” (σημείοις καὶ τέρασιν, semeiois kai terasin): This paired expression appears frequently in Acts and carries deep biblical significance. In the Septuagint, it often describes יהוה’s mighty acts in Egypt. Here it authenticates the apostles’ message, showing continuity with God’s redemptive acts throughout history.
“Zeus and Hermes” (Δία καὶ Ἑρμῆν, Dia kai Hermen): These Greek deity names reflect the specific cultural context of Lystra. The locals’ reaction connects to an ancient Phrygian legend about Zeus and Hermes visiting in disguise, adding rich cultural context to their response to the miracle.
“Strengthening” (ἐπιστηρίζοντες, episterízontes): This intensified form of “to strengthen” suggests ongoing, intentional support. Used specifically for spiritual strengthening, it implies both teaching and encouragement in the face of persecution.
“Appointed” (χειροτονήσαντες, cheirotonēsantes): Literally meaning “to stretch out the hand,” this term originally referred to voting by show of hands but evolved to mean formal appointment. It indicates the establishment of proper leadership structure in new congregations.
“Committed” (παρέθεντο, parethento): A banking term meaning “to deposit for safekeeping,” used here to describe entrusting new believers to the Lord’s care. It carries connotations of both security and responsibility.
“Many tribulations” (πολλῶν θλίψεων, pollōn thlipseōn): This phrase emphasizes both quantity and intensity of hardships. The word θλίψις literally means “pressure” or “crushing,” painting a vivid picture of the cost of discipleship.
“Ordained” (τεταγμένοι, tetagmenoi): A military term meaning “to place in order” or “arrange,” suggesting divine appointment and order in the growth of the believing community.
“Open door” (θύραν πίστεως, thuran pisteōs): A metaphorical expression unique to this passage, combining physical and spiritual imagery to describe God’s sovereign work in making the Gospel accessible to Gentiles.

Compare & Contrast

Acts 14:3 – The phrase “granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands” uses the verb διδόντι (didonti) rather than ποιοῦντι (poiounti). This choice emphasizes divine enablement rather than human action, highlighting God’s sovereignty in miraculous manifestations.
Acts 14:9 – The description of Paul “seeing” (ἰδὼν) the lame man’s faith uses a word suggesting spiritual perception rather than ἐμβλέψας (emblepsas), which would indicate mere physical observation. This nuance reveals the supernatural discernment operating through Paul.
Acts 14:15 – The apostles’ response “We also are men of like passions” (ὁμοιοπαθεῖς) was chosen over potential alternatives like ἄνθρωποι (mere humans) to emphasize their complete identification with their audience while still maintaining their authority as messengers.
Acts 14:17 – The reference to God’s witness through nature uses μαρτυρεῖν rather than δεικνύναι, emphasizing ongoing testimony rather than mere demonstration, connecting to natural theology concepts found in Romans 1:20.
Acts 14:22 – The phrase “continue in the faith” employs ἐμμένειν rather than μένειν, suggesting not just remaining but being firmly established, emphasizing the need for resolute commitment in the face of persecution.
Acts 14:23 – The description of “fasting and prayer” places prayer second (νηστεύσαντες καὶ προσευξάμενοι) unlike other passages, possibly emphasizing the solemnity and preparation aspect of the leadership appointment process.
Acts 14:27 – The metaphor “opened a door of faith” combines θύραν with πίστεως rather than using εἴσοδον (entrance), creating a powerful image of divine sovereign action in salvation while maintaining human responsibility to walk through it.

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Acts 14 Unique Insights

The chapter contains a fascinating parallel to Greek mythology that the original audience would have immediately recognized. The story of Zeus and Hermes visiting Phrygia in disguise (known as the Philemon and Baucis legend) was deeply embedded in local culture. According to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, these gods once visited a thousand homes in the region but were refused hospitality by all except one elderly couple. The Lystran citizens’ eagerness to worship Paul and Barnabas likely stemmed from their determination not to repeat their ancestors’ mistake of failing to recognize divine visitors.

The healing miracle in Lystra presents an interesting contrast with other healing accounts in Acts. Unlike other instances where faith is explicitly mentioned after the miracle, here Paul perceives faith before performing the healing. This unique detail suggests a deeper theological point about the relationship between faith and divine intervention, possibly reflecting Paul’s own Damascus Road experience of sudden transformation.

There’s also significant rabbinical parallel in the appointment of elders described in verse 23. The practice of fasting before important decisions finds precedent in the Mishnah (Ta’anit 1:4-5), where it’s noted that the court would fast before appointing community leaders. This Jewish practice being applied to Gentile churches demonstrates the careful blend of Jewish tradition with new Messianic innovation.

The chapter includes subtle echoes of the exodus narrative, particularly in the pattern of miracle-opposition-preservation. Just as Moses performed signs that led to both belief and resistance, so too do Paul and Barnabas’s miracles trigger both acceptance and violent rejection. This parallel would have been especially meaningful to Jewish readers familiar with the exodus pattern in Scripture.

Acts 14 Connections to Yeshua

The experiences of Paul and Barnabas in this chapter profoundly mirror and extend the ministry of Yeshua. Like their Master, they perform miraculous healings that authenticate their message, face violent opposition from religious authorities, and are misunderstood by crowds who fail to grasp the true nature of their mission. The attempted worship at Lystra particularly echoes Satan’s temptation of Yeshua to receive worldly glory without the cross (Matthew 4:8-10).

More deeply, the chapter demonstrates the fulfillment of Yeshua’s promises about His followers doing “greater works” (John 14:12). The apostles’ ministry extends the reach of the Gospel far beyond the geographical boundaries of Jesus’ earthly ministry, showing how the Messiah’s work continues through His Body. The pattern of suffering followed by strengthening and fruit also reflects Yeshua’s teaching about the grain of wheat that must die to bear much fruit (John 12:24).

Acts 14 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous Old Testament themes and prophecies. The apostles’ experience of persecution followed by vindication echoes the pattern of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53. Their message to the Gentiles about turning from vain things to the living God recalls Jeremiah 16:19-21.

The reference to God’s witness through nature in verses 16-17 connects with Psalm 19 and Romans 1:19-20. The appointment of elders reflects the pattern established by Moses in Exodus 18.

The theme of God using suffering to strengthen faith anticipates 1 Peter 5:10. The imagery of an “open door” for the Gentiles finds later echo in Revelation 3:8.

Acts 14 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our response to both success and suffering in ministry. When Paul and Barnabas were acclaimed as gods, they immediately redirected praise to the true God. Their example calls us to maintain humility in moments of spiritual victory and to ensure that all glory goes to God alone.

The apostles’ declaration that “we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” offers both warning and encouragement. It reminds us that difficulty in our walk with God is normal and even expected. Yet it also assures us that tribulation is purposeful – it’s the path through which we enter the kingdom.

Their practice of returning to strengthen new believers, despite personal risk, demonstrates true pastoral care. It challenges us to prioritize discipleship and spiritual nurture even when it’s costly or inconvenient. The chapter ultimately calls us to a faith that is both resilient in trials and resistant to worldly acclaim.

Did You Know

The city of Lystra had no synagogue mentioned in the narrative, suggesting a very small or non-existent Jewish population, making it one of the most thoroughly Gentile audiences Paul addressed.
Archaeological evidence shows that Zeus and Hermes were particularly venerated in the Lystra region, with local coins featuring these deities together.
The phrase “ordained to eternal life” in Greek uses a military term (τεταγμένοι) that was used for troops being arranged in battle formation, suggesting divine strategic positioning.
The “elders” appointed were likely a blend of Jewish and Gentile believers, representing one of the earliest examples of mixed leadership in the Messianic movement.
Paul’s stoning at Lystra is the only recorded instance of him experiencing this specific form of persecution, which he later references in 2 Corinthians 11:25.
The practice of “committing them to the Lord” included specific prayers and blessings documented in early Jewish-Christian writings like the Didache.
The “door of faith” metaphor appears uniquely here in the New Testament, though similar imagery is used in Paul’s letters and Revelation.
The region of Lycaonia, mentioned in verse 6, spoke its own distinct language, meaning Paul and Barnabas likely needed interpreters for some of their ministry there.
The appointment of elders in verse 23 represents the first recorded instance of formal church leadership being established in Gentile congregations.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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