Acts 14
BSB1 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. 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. 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.
Study Notes — Acts 14
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 14
- Themes from Acts 14
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 14
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey, preaching the gospel in Iconium, where they experience both success and persecution. They are forced to flee to Lystra, where Paul heals a crippled man, leading to their being hailed as gods. However, they are soon stoned and left for dead, only to be rescued by the disciples. The chapter concludes with Paul and Barnabas returning to Antioch, reporting on their missionary journey and the successes they experienced. Key verses, such as Acts 14:3 and Acts 14:22, highlight the importance of perseverance and the power of the gospel in the face of opposition.
Context for the Chapter
Acts 14 is part of the larger narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, which records the early history of the Christian church. The chapter is situated within the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, as they preach the gospel and establish churches in various cities. The events of Acts 14 are significant, as they demonstrate the power of the gospel and the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity. The chapter also serves as a transition to the next phase of Paul's ministry, as he returns to Antioch and prepares for his next missionary journey.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Acts 14, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity. We are called to trust in God's power and provision, even when we face opposition and hardship. The chapter encourages us to remain true to the faith, standing firm in our commitment to Jesus Christ and the gospel. May we be inspired by the courage and faith of Paul and Barnabas, and may we trust in God's sovereignty as we face the challenges of our own lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts 14 records the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, as they preach the gospel and face persecution. Despite the challenges they face, they trust in God's power and provision, and the gospel is proclaimed to many people. We are encouraged to persevere and remain true to the faith, even in the face of hardship, as seen in Acts 14:22. The chapter highlights the importance of faith and the power of the gospel, as demonstrated in the healing of the crippled man in Lystra (Acts 14:8-10).
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere set of doctrines, but a living, powerful force that can transform lives and change the world. As we see in Acts 14, the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The faith of the apostles was not based on their own strength or abilities, but on the power of God. As we see in Acts 14, they trusted in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of adversity.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Ministry in Iconium (14:1-7) — Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel in Iconium, with both success and persecution. They are forced to flee to Lystra due to the opposition they face.
- The Healing in Lystra (14:8-10) — Paul heals a crippled man in Lystra, leading to the people hailing them as gods. However, they soon face persecution and are stoned, leaving Paul for dead.
- The Persecution in Lystra (14:11-20) — Paul is stoned and left for dead, but he is rescued by the disciples. He and Barnabas continue their ministry, preaching the gospel and encouraging the believers to remain true to the faith.
- The Return to Antioch (14:21-28) — Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, reporting on their missionary journey and the successes they experienced. They encourage the believers and strengthen the churches they established.
- The Conclusion of the First Missionary Journey (14:26-28) — The chapter concludes with Paul and Barnabas returning to Antioch, marking the end of their first missionary journey. They report on their experiences and the successes they had, and they prepare for their next journey.
Core Doctrines
- The Power of the Gospel
- The gospel is the central message of the Christian faith, and it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). In Acts 14, we see the power of the gospel at work, leading to the conversion of many people.
- The Importance of Perseverance
- Acts 14 highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity. Paul and Barnabas encourage the believers to remain true to the faith, despite the many hardships they will face (Acts 14:22).
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, as He works through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas to achieve His purposes. Despite the opposition they face, God's power and provision are evident, and the gospel is proclaimed to many people.
- The Role of Faith
- Faith is a key concept in Acts 14, as Paul and Barnabas trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of adversity. The chapter encourages believers to remain true to the faith, standing firm in their commitment to Jesus Christ and the gospel.
Lessons from Acts 14
- The Importance of Courage and Faith — The chapter teaches us the importance of courage and faith in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by Paul and Barnabas. We are encouraged to trust in God's power and provision, even when we face opposition and hardship.
- The Power of the Gospel — The gospel is the central message of the Christian faith, and it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). In Acts 14, we see the power of the gospel at work, leading to the conversion of many people.
- The Role of Perseverance — Acts 14 highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity. Paul and Barnabas encourage the believers to remain true to the faith, despite the many hardships they will face (Acts 14:22).
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, as He works through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas to achieve His purposes. Despite the opposition they face, God's power and provision are evident, and the gospel is proclaimed to many people.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Provision — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of adversity. We are reminded that God is always working to achieve His purposes, and that we can trust in His power and provision.
Themes from Acts 14
- The Gospel and Its Power — The gospel is the central message of the Christian faith, and it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). In Acts 14, we see the power of the gospel at work, leading to the conversion of many people.
- Perseverance and Faith — Acts 14 highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity. Paul and Barnabas encourage the believers to remain true to the faith, despite the many hardships they will face (Acts 14:22).
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, as He works through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas to achieve His purposes. Despite the opposition they face, God's power and provision are evident, and the gospel is proclaimed to many people.
- The Role of Faith — Faith is a key concept in Acts 14, as Paul and Barnabas trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of adversity. The chapter encourages believers to remain true to the faith, standing firm in their commitment to Jesus Christ and the gospel.
- The Importance of Courage — The chapter teaches us the importance of courage and faith in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by Paul and Barnabas. We are encouraged to trust in God's power and provision, even when we face opposition and hardship.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the courage and faith of Paul and Barnabas in the face of persecution and opposition?
- How does the power of the gospel impact the lives of those who hear it, as seen in Acts 14?
- What role does faith play in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the chapter encourage believers to persevere and remain true to the faith, despite the challenges they face?
- What can we learn from the example of Paul and Barnabas about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Ministry in Iconium (14:1-7)
| 14:1 | Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel in Iconium, with both success and persecution. They are forced to flee to Lystra due to the opposition they face. |
| 14:2 | The Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. |
2. The Healing in Lystra (14:8-10)
| 14:8 | In Lystra there was a man sitting who was lame in his feet, whom he had been from birth and had never walked. |
| 14:9 | He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed. |
3. The Persecution in Lystra (14:11-20)
| 14:11 | When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, 'The gods have come down to us in human form!' |
| 14:12 | Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. |
4. The Return to Antioch (14:21-28)
| 14:21 | They preached the gospel to that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. |
| 14:22 | 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the response of the people in Iconium to the preaching of Paul and Barnabas?
The people in Iconium were divided in their response, with some believing and others opposing the missionaries (Acts 14:1-4).
Why did Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra?
Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra due to the opposition they faced in Iconium (Acts 14:5-7).
What miracle did Paul perform in Lystra?
Paul healed a crippled man in Lystra, leading to the people hailing them as gods (Acts 14:8-10).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 14:1 → Psalm 119:46 | The Psalmist's declaration of trust in God's word is similar to Paul's trust in God's power and provision in Acts 14:1. |
| 2 | Acts 14:3 → Mark 16:20 | The power of the gospel is evident in both Acts 14:3 and Mark 16:20, as it leads to the conversion of many people. |
| 3 | Acts 14:8 → Matthew 9:1-8 | The healing of the crippled man in Lystra is similar to the healings performed by Jesus in the Gospels, such as in Matthew 9:1-8. |
| 4 | Acts 14:11 → Exodus 7:1 | The reaction of the people in Lystra to Paul's miracle is similar to the reaction of the Egyptians to the miracles performed by Moses in Exodus 7:1. |
| 5 | Acts 14:14 → 1 Thessalonians 2:2 | Paul's courage and faith in the face of persecution are similar to his courage and faith in 1 Thessalonians 2:2. |
| 6 | Acts 14:15 → Psalm 115:4-7 | The idolatry of the people in Lystra is similar to the idolatry condemned in Psalm 115:4-7. |
| 7 | Acts 14:19 → 2 Corinthians 11:25 | Paul's experience of being stoned in Lystra is similar to his experience in 2 Corinthians 11:25. |
| 8 | Acts 14:22 → John 16:33 | The encouragement of Paul and Barnabas to remain true to the faith is similar to Jesus' encouragement to his disciples in John 16:33. |
| 9 | Acts 14:23 → Titus 1:5 | The appointment of elders in the churches is similar to the appointment of elders in Titus 1:5. |
| 10 | Acts 14:26 → Acts 13:1-3 | The return of Paul and Barnabas to Antioch marks the end of their first missionary journey, which began in Acts 13:1-3. |
Sermons on Acts 14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Surrendered Life by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. After encountering Jesus in a supernatural revelation, Saul is left blind and confuse |
|
(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 2- the New Cruse by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having life in Christ. He refers to John 1-4, which states that in Jesus was life, and this life was for all men. The prea |
|
Against the Flow by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching in a public setting and facing disdain and mockery when he mentioned God and Jesus. He draws a parallel to the story |
|
|
When the Spirit Comes by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor shares his personal experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit at the age of 14. He emphasizes that this experience is not limited to strong Christi |
|
Persecution, Affliction, and Tribulation by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to travel and preach across America. He acknowledges the support and organization of Denny, Jackie, Hannah, and |
|
Prayer and Fasting - When You Fast by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the importance of fasting as a key to effective praying, highlighting the need for humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. It dra |
|
A Call to Prayer by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in experiencing God's blessings and seeing Him move in our lives. He shares stories of persecuted workers who rely o |
|
(Come Up Higher) Choosing the Heavenly Over the Earthly by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not letting money become our master. He compares money to a servant and highlights that whether we are rich or poor, it is |
|
Memory - the Handmaid of Hope by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering the promises of God in difficult times. He shares a story of a young man who had to prove his rightful inherit |
|
(Through the Bible) Revelation 10-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes how nature reveals the glory of God and serves as a means for humans to come to know Him. He distinguishes between rational and irrational i |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 14
In Acts 14, we see the power of the gospel at work through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. Despite facing persecution and opposition, they trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and the gospel is proclaimed to many people. The chapter highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as well as the role of faith in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. As Matthew Henry notes, the experiences of Paul and Barnabas serve as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition. The chapter also demonstrates the sovereignty of God, as He works through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas to achieve His purposes. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Courage of Paul and Barnabas
Despite facing persecution and opposition, Paul and Barnabas continue to preach the gospel and trust in God's sovereignty. Their courage and faith serve as an example to believers today.
The Power of the Gospel
The gospel is the central message of the Christian faith, and it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). In Acts 14, we see the power of the gospel at work, leading to the conversion of many people.
The Importance of Perseverance
Acts 14 highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity. Paul and Barnabas encourage the believers to remain true to the faith, despite the many hardships they will face (Acts 14:22).