Bold Witness Amid Opposition

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Acts 14 follows Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey, where they traveled through key cities in Asia Minor preaching the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. After initial success in Iconium, opposition from unbelieving Jews intensifies, forcing them to flee to nearby cities. This chapter captures a pivotal moment of transition from public ministry in synagogues to broader outreach among Gentiles. Understanding the cultural tensions between Jews and Gentiles and the political dangers of proclaiming Christ helps us grasp the courage required for early Christian mission. The chapter also shows the apostles’ reliance on God’s power through signs and miracles, affirming the gospel’s divine authority.

What You'll Learn

• How Paul and Barnabas’ bold preaching in synagogues sparked both belief and fierce opposition among Jews and Gentiles.
• The significance of miraculous healings as God’s confirmation of the gospel message and a sign of His kingdom.
• Why the apostles rejected idolatry and redirected people to worship the living Creator God.
• The reality that entering God’s kingdom involves enduring tribulation and steadfast faith.
• The importance of appointing elders and prayerful leadership for the health and growth of new churches.
• How recounting God’s faithfulness strengthens the church and encourages ongoing mission.

Faithful witness to the gospel advances God’s kingdom despite opposition and suffering.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Acts 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.

Acts 14:2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Acts 14:3 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.

Acts 14:4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

Acts 14:5 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,

Acts 14:6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

Acts 14:7 And there they preached the gospel.

Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:

Acts 14:9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Acts 14:10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

Acts 14:11 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.

Acts 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

Acts 14:13 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.

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

Acts 14:15 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:

Acts 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Acts 14:17 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.

Acts 14:18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

Acts 14:19 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.

Acts 14:20 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.

Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

Acts 14:22 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.

Acts 14:23 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.

Acts 14:24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

Acts 14:25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

Acts 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

Acts 14:27 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.

Acts 14:28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Acts 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.

Study: Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue in Iconium, a central place for Jewish worship and teaching, to preach the gospel. Their message attracted a large crowd of both Jews and Greeks, showing the gospel’s power to cross cultural boundaries. This verse highlights the inclusive nature of the early church and God’s initiative to gather a diverse people through faith in Christ.

Acts 14:2

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

Study: The unbelieving Jews stirred up Gentiles against the new believers, revealing the intense opposition the gospel faced from those resistant to God’s new covenant. This opposition was not only religious but also social and political, threatening the unity and safety of the early church. It reminds us that spiritual opposition often involves influencing others to reject the truth.

Acts 14:3

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.

Study: Despite opposition, Paul and Barnabas boldly continued preaching, empowered by the Lord who confirmed their message with signs and wonders. This divine endorsement was crucial in authenticating the gospel and encouraging believers. It demonstrates God’s grace working through human weakness to advance His kingdom.

Acts 14:4

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

Study: The city’s population was divided over the gospel, reflecting the disruptive nature of Christ’s message. This division shows that the gospel challenges existing beliefs and loyalties, forcing people to make a decisive choice. It also illustrates the reality that following Christ can cause conflict even within communities.

Acts 14:5

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,

Study: An assault was planned by both Gentiles and Jews to mistreat and stone the apostles, highlighting the severe persecution early Christians faced. This verse reveals the real physical danger involved in gospel ministry and the hostility of some toward God’s kingdom. It underscores the cost of faithful witness.

Acts 14:6

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

Study: Aware of the threat, Paul and Barnabas prudently fled to Lystra and Derbe, showing wisdom in avoiding unnecessary martyrdom while continuing their mission. Their flight did not stop their work but redirected it, illustrating God’s providence in protecting His servants to fulfill His purposes.

Acts 14:7

And there they preached the gospel.

Study: In Lystra and Derbe, the apostles resumed preaching the gospel, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to proclaiming Christ despite previous opposition. This persistence models the endurance required in ministry and the ongoing expansion of the early church.

Acts 14:8

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

Study: A man crippled from birth sat helpless in Lystra, setting the stage for a miraculous healing that would reveal God’s power. This detail emphasizes the compassion of the gospel and God’s concern for physical as well as spiritual restoration.

Acts 14:9

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

Study: Paul’s focused gaze and recognition of the man’s faith to be healed show the importance of faith in receiving God’s blessings. This moment highlights the partnership between divine power and human faith in the work of healing.

Acts 14:10

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

Study: Paul commands the man to stand and walk, and the immediate healing demonstrates God’s authority over sickness and the physical world. This miracle confirmed the apostles’ message and drew attention to the living power of God at work among them.

Acts 14:11

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.

Study: The crowd’s reaction, declaring the gods have come down in human form, reflects their pagan worldview interpreting miracles through their own religious lens. This response reveals the cultural challenge the apostles faced in redirecting worship from idols to the true God.

Acts 14:12

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

Study: The people identified Barnabas as Jupiter and Paul as Mercury, showing their attempt to fit the apostles into their mythology. This misidentification underscores the need for the apostles to clarify the true source of their power and redirect worship rightly.

Acts 14:13

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.

Study: The priest of Jupiter prepared to offer sacrifices, indicating the city’s readiness to worship the apostles as gods. This moment reveals the danger of idolatry and the apostles’ urgent need to correct false worship to preserve the purity of God’s covenant.

Acts 14:14

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

Study: Barnabas and Paul tore their clothes, a Jewish expression of grief and protest, and ran among the people to stop the idolatrous sacrifice. Their passionate response shows their commitment to uphold the worship of the one true God and prevent spiritual error.

Acts 14:15

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:

Study: The apostles explained that they were mere humans with passions like the people, calling them to turn from worthless idols to the living Creator God. This appeal highlights the gospel’s call to repentance and true worship rooted in God’s creative authority.

Acts 14:16

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

Study: God’s patience in allowing nations to follow their own ways in the past reveals His longsuffering nature and desire for all to repent. This background helps explain why the gospel calls for a turning away from sin toward God’s kingdom.

Acts 14:17

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.

Study: God’s providential care is evident in giving rain and fruitful seasons, tangible blessings that testify to His goodness even before full revelation. This verse shows that God’s grace is evident in creation and sustains human life, pointing to the living God behind all things.

Acts 14:18

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

Study: The apostles barely restrained the people from offering sacrifices to them, demonstrating the strong temptation to idolatry and the need for vigilant correction. This moment warns believers to guard against elevating human leaders above God.

Acts 14:19

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.

Study: Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuaded the crowd to turn violently against Paul, resulting in his stoning. This event reveals the persistent hostility toward the gospel and the real cost of discipleship, including suffering and near death.

Acts 14:20

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.

Study: Despite being left for dead, Paul’s resurrection by God’s power and his return to the city show divine protection and the resilience of the early church. This miracle encourages believers to trust God’s sustaining power in hardship.

Acts 14:21

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

Study: Paul and Barnabas continued preaching and teaching in Derbe, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to spreading the gospel and nurturing new believers. This ongoing mission reflects the church’s growth and the importance of discipleship.

Acts 14:22

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.

Study: They strengthened the disciples’ faith and exhorted them to endure tribulation, teaching that suffering is part of entering God’s kingdom. This verse connects perseverance with salvation and encourages believers to remain steadfast amid trials.

Acts 14:23

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.

Study: The appointment of elders with prayer and fasting established godly leadership for the new churches, ensuring spiritual oversight and care. This practice reflects the covenant community’s need for order and accountability in growth.

Acts 14:24

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

Study: Paul and Barnabas traveled through Pisidia, continuing their missionary journey and expanding the reach of the gospel. This movement shows the strategic spreading of the church across regions.

Acts 14:25

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

Study: Preaching in Perga and traveling to Attalia indicates the apostles’ commitment to covering key cities, demonstrating the intentional nature of early mission work. It highlights the importance of perseverance and planning in gospel outreach.

Acts 14:26

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

Study: Sailing back to Antioch, where they were first commissioned, completes the missionary journey cycle, showing accountability and reporting to the sending church. This return emphasizes the partnership between missionaries and the local church.

Acts 14:27

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.

Study: Gathering the church to report all God had done and the opening of faith to Gentiles celebrates God’s inclusive salvation plan and encourages the church’s faith and mission. This testimony strengthens the community’s understanding of God’s work among them.

Acts 14:28

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Study: Paul and Barnabas stayed a long time with the disciples, nurturing and teaching them, underscoring the importance of ongoing fellowship and discipleship in the Christian life. This time of stability contrasts with their earlier travels and supports church growth.

Acts 14 chronicles Paul and Barnabas’ bold missionary efforts in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, where they preach the gospel, perform miracles, and face severe opposition including stoning. Despite division and danger, they persist in teaching and strengthening new believers, appointing elders to lead the churches. Their journey reveals the cost of discipleship, the power of God’s grace, and the expansion of the gospel to Gentiles. The chapter emphasizes perseverance through tribulation as essential to entering God’s kingdom and highlights the apostles’ role in establishing a faithful, enduring church.

Lord, grant us boldness like Paul and Barnabas to proclaim Your gospel faithfully, even when faced with opposition and hardship. Strengthen our faith to endure trials, and help us to lead and encourage others in Your kingdom. May we always worship You as the living Creator and reject all idols. Guide us to nurture and build up Your church with prayerful leadership and steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• Pray daily for boldness to share your faith with others despite challenges.
• Memorize Acts 14:22 to remind yourself of the call to endure tribulation.
• Reflect on any idols in your life and commit to worshiping God alone.
• Encourage a church leader with a note or prayer this week.
• Journal about a time God’s power was evident in your life.
• Attend a church service or small group to strengthen your faith community.
• Practice patience and perseverance in a difficult situation, trusting God’s kingdom purpose.

Acts 14 reveals the dynamic tension between gospel advancement and opposition, showing how God uses faithful witnesses to build His kingdom through miracles, teaching, and perseverance. Paul and Barnabas’ journey teaches that suffering is part of discipleship, but God’s grace sustains and empowers believers to endure and grow the church. Their example encourages us to remain steadfast, reject false worship, and support godly leadership as we participate in God’s redemptive mission.

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