Acts 14
Acts chapter 14 continues Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey as they preach the Gospel in several Gentile regions. The chapter highlights both the power of the Gospel and the intense opposition that often accompanies faithful ministry. It also emphasizes perseverance, discipleship, and the truth that salvation comes through Christ rather than human religion or idolatry.
1. Ministry in Iconium (Acts 14:1–7)
Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue at Iconium, and:
“a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.” (v. 1)
As throughout Acts, the Gospel produces divided responses:
The apostles remain there “speaking boldly in the Lord” (v. 3), and God confirms their message through signs and wonders.
Eventually, a plot develops to mistreat and stone them, forcing them to flee to Lystra and Derbe. This demonstrates an important biblical principle: courage in ministry does not eliminate wisdom or prudence.
2. The Healing at Lystra (Acts 14:8–18)
In Lystra, Paul heals a man who had been crippled from birth. Seeing the miracle, the crowd mistakenly believes Barnabas and Paul are gods:
The priest of Zeus even prepares sacrifices for them.
Paul and Barnabas respond with deep grief, tearing their clothes and urgently correcting the crowd:
“We also are men with the same nature as you…” (v. 15)
They call the people to:
“turn from these useless things to the living God”
This sermon is especially significant because Paul speaks to a pagan audience unfamiliar with the Old Testament. Instead of beginning with Scripture, he points to:
This reflects a foundational biblical truth: creation itself bears witness to the Creator.
The passage strongly rejects idolatry and affirms:
3. Paul Stoned at Lystra (Acts 14:19–20)
Hostile Jews arrive from Antioch and Iconium and persuade the crowds to turn against Paul. The same crowd that nearly worshiped him now stones him and drags him outside the city, believing he is dead.
Remarkably:
“he rose up and went into the city.” (v. 20)
This scene vividly demonstrates:
The Gospel advances not through worldly power, but through faithful endurance in suffering.
4. Strengthening the Churches (Acts 14:21–23)
After preaching in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas revisit the churches they planted rather than taking the easiest route home.
They:
Paul teaches:
“We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (v. 22)
Orthodox Christianity recognizes suffering as a normal part of Christian discipleship in a fallen world.
The appointment of elders demonstrates the importance of:
Prayer and fasting accompany these appointments, reflecting dependence upon God.
5. The Mission Report to Antioch (Acts 14:24–28)
Paul and Barnabas eventually return to Antioch, where they report:
“all that God had done with them” (v. 27)
Importantly, they emphasize:
“that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”
The success of the mission is credited to God’s work, not merely human effort.
The chapter closes with Paul and Barnabas remaining with the disciples for some time, strengthening the church that had originally sent them out.
Major Themes in Acts 14:
Acts 14 demonstrates that the spread of the Gospel involves both triumph and suffering. Through persecution, hardship, and endurance, God continues opening doors for the message of Christ among the nations.