Read · Listen · Study

Acts 14 · Berean Standard Bible

Playback speed

¹At 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. ²But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. ³So 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. ⁴The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles. ⁵But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, ⁶they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region, ⁷where they continued to preach the gospel. ⁸In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. ⁹This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed. ¹⁰In a loud voice Paul called out, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk. ¹¹When 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!” ¹²Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ¹³The 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. ¹⁴But 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. ¹⁶In past generations, He let all nations go their own way. ¹⁷Yet 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.” ¹⁸Even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could hardly stop the crowds from sacrificing to them. ¹⁹Then 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. ²⁰But 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. ²¹They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ²²strengthening 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. ²³Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. ²⁴After passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. ²⁵And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. ²⁶From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed. ²⁷When 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. ²⁸And they spent a long time there with the disciples.

Berean Standard Bible · public domain. More versions and languages in the Reading Plan.

Acts

Acts 14

Bold Witness in the Face of Opposition

✦

Objective

Acts 14 recounts Paul and Barnabas' continued missionary journey, marked by both incredible Gospel success and fierce opposition. This chapter showcases their perseverance, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and unwavering commitment to the spread of the Gospel, despite threats, persecution, and physical suffering. Acts 14 emphasizes the importance of perseverance, the power of the Gospel to transform lives across cultural boundaries, and the necessity of strengthening and encouraging new believers in their faith.

Detailed Analysis

Event Description

Paul and Barnabas travel to Iconium and preach in the synagogue, where a great number of Jews and Gentiles believe. However, some Jews who reject their message stir up the Gentiles against them. Despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas continue preaching boldly, and God confirms their message with signs and wonders. When the opposition grows dangerous, with a plot to stone them, they flee to the cities of Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia, where they continue to preach the Gospel.

Central Themes

Boldness Amid Opposition: Paul and Barnabas preach boldly, even when faced with hostility, relying on the Spirit to empower their witness.

The Role of Miracles: The signs and wonders confirm the truth of their message, drawing people to faith.

Strategic Perseverance: The decision to flee shows wisdom, not fear, as they avoid unnecessary danger to continue their mission elsewhere.

Cultural & Historical Context

Opposition to the Gospel: The division in Iconium mirrors earlier resistance in Antioch (Acts 13:45-50), showing the Gospel's polarizing effect (see Matthew 10:34-36). Signs and Wonders: Miracles serve as evidence of God's power, similar to their use in Jesus' ministry (John 14:11) and at Pentecost (Acts 2:43). Fleeing Persecution: Jesus taught His followers to flee persecution when necessary, as seen in Matthew 10:23.

Key Verse

"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." (Acts 14:3)

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

Healing the Lame Man in Lystra

A man sits on the dusty street of Lystra, his legs frail and twisted from birth. Paul locks eyes with him, sensing his faith. With a commanding voice, Paul says, "Stand up on your feet!" To the amazement of the crowd, the man rises, his legs trembling at first, then strong as he leaps and praises God.

Paul Stoned and Left for Dead

A mob encircles Paul, their shouts ringing out as stones strike his body. Bloodied and bruised, Paul collapses under the weight of the attack. The crowd drags him outside the city, leaving him for dead. But as the disciples gather around him in sorrow, Paul stirs, his strength renewed by God's power. He rises, determined to continue the mission.

Strengthening the Churches

Paul and Barnabas sit among small gatherings of believers in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, their faces weathered but filled with warmth and determination. Their voices ring with encouragement as they speak of God's faithfulness and the strength needed to endure trials. In prayer, they lay hands on elders, commissioning them to lead the fledgling churches.

Song

Through Hardships We Will Stand

Verse 1

In Iconium's streets, the Word was proclaimed, Despite opposition, they spoke unashamed. With signs and wonders, the truth was revealed, God's grace and power, His kingdom unsealed.

Verse 2

The lame man walked, the crowd proclaimed, But gods we are not, we lift His name. Turn from idols, the living God calls, He made the heavens, the earth, and all.

Chorus

Through hardships we will stand, With faith upheld by God's hand. Though trials rise and stones may fall, We'll press on, giving Christ our all.

Bridge

Through many trials, the path is steep, But Christ our King, His promises keep. He reigns above, His truth will prevail, Through storms and fire, His love will not fail.

Outro

We'll press on, giving Christ our all.

Practical Application

Personal Life

Persevere in faith, even when faced with opposition or challenges. Trust that God is with you, as He was with Paul and Barnabas.

Seek opportunities to encourage others in their faith, reminding them of God's promises and the hope we have in Christ.

Community & Society

Build up your local church by supporting leaders, participating in discipleship, and fostering a spirit of encouragement.

Be bold in sharing your faith, trusting in God to work through you, even in the face of resistance.

Global Perspective

Pray for missionaries who face danger or persecution as they proclaim the Gospel in difficult places.

Support efforts to strengthen churches in areas of great need, through prayer, resources, or short-term missions.

Conclusion

Acts 14 demonstrates the perseverance and faithfulness of Paul and Barnabas as they boldly proclaim the Gospel despite intense opposition. Their ministry reminds us that God's kingdom advances through hardship, but His grace sustains His people. As believers, we are called to endure with courage, encourage one another, and trust in God's power to transform lives. Let us stand firm in our faith, proclaim His name boldly, and remain steadfast in the mission He has given us.