November 10, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 14

¹ 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.

² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

³ 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.

⁴ But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

⁵ 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,

⁶ They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

⁷ And there they preached the gospel.

⁸ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:

⁹ The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

¹⁰ Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

¹¹ 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.

¹² And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

¹³ 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.

¹⁴ Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

¹⁵ 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:

¹⁶ Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

¹⁷ 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.

¹⁸ And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

¹⁹ 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.

²⁰ 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.

²¹ And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

²² 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.

²³ 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.

²⁴ And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

²⁵ And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

²⁶ And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

²⁷ 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.

²⁸ And there they abode long time with the disciples.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

In Acts chapter 14, we witness the ministry of the apostles Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journey, particularly in the cities of Iconium and Lystra. Through their bold faith and dedication, signs and wonders are performed, leading many people, both Jews and Gentiles, to embrace the gospel. However, with their success comes persecution and misunderstandings, causing the apostles to face resistance and mistreatment. This passage describes the challenges and victories that Paul and Barnabas experience in their efforts to proclaim the word of God.

Commentary

This chapter illustrates how the gospel not only unites people from different cultural backgrounds but can also provoke divisions and resistance. In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas encounter open hearts but also fierce rejection and hostility. In Lystra, after the miracle of healing a crippled man, the apostles are mistakenly regarded as gods by the crowd. This experience highlights the challenge of distinguishing true divine power and authority from human misunderstandings. The steadfastness and unwavering faith of Paul and Barnabas, even after physical abuse and stoning, demonstrate the dedication and courage necessary to faithfully follow Christ’s call. They return strengthened to the communities to encourage believers to “stand firm in the faith” and to accept the inevitable difficulties as part of the journey into the kingdom of God.

Summary

Acts chapter 14 describes the journeys of Paul and Barnabas through Iconium, Lystra, and back to Antioch in Syria. They experience not only remarkable conversions and healings but also intense resistance and misunderstandings. After the persecution in Iconium and a misunderstanding in Lystra, where they are worshiped as gods, the apostles continue their work and strengthen the disciples in the faith despite the challenges. The passage concludes with their return to Antioch, where they report to the church how God has opened the door of faith to the Gentiles through them.

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