Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 14
Albert Barnes Commentary
Acts 14
Albert Barnes Commentary
Acts 14
"And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed." — Acts 14:1 (ASV)
CHAPTER XIV
In Iconium. (See Barnes on Acts 13:51).
In this place it appears that Timothy became acquainted with Paul and his manner of life (2 Timothy 3:10–11).
So spoke. This means they spoke with such power—their preaching was so attended by the influence of the Spirit.
And also of the Greeks. These were probably proselytes from the Greeks, who were accustomed to attending the synagogue.
"But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren." — Acts 14:2 (ASV)
But the unbelieving Jews, etc. See Barnes on Acts 13:50.
And made their minds evil affected. Irritated, or exasperated them. Against the brethren. One of the common appellations by which Christians were known.
"Long time therefore they tarried [there] speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands." — Acts 14:3 (ASV)
Long time therefore. In this city they were not daunted by persecution. It seems probable that there were here no forcible or public measures to expel them, as there had been at Antioch (Acts 13:50), and they therefore regarded it as their duty to remain. God granted them here also great success, which was the main reason for their continuing a long time. Persecution and opposition may often be attended with signal success to the gospel.
Speaking boldly in the Lord. In the cause of the Lord Jesus; or in his name and authority. Perhaps also the expression includes the idea of their trusting in the Lord.
Which gave testimony. Bore witness to the truth of their message by working miracles, etc. . This was evidently the Lord Jesus to whom reference is here made; and it shows that he was still, though bodily absent from them, clothed with power, and still displayed that power in the advancement of his cause. The conversion of sinners accomplished by him is always a testimony as decided as it is cheering to the labours and messages of his servants.
Unto the word of his grace. His gracious word, or message.
And granted signs, etc. Miracles. (See Barnes on Acts 2:22).
{+} boldly in the Lord "concerning" {*} "which" "who" {d} gave testimony (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:4)
"But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles." — Acts 14:4 (ASV)
Was divided. Into parties. Greek, There was a schism. escisyh.
And part held with the Jews. Held to the doctrines of the Jews, in opposition to the apostles. A revival of religion may produce excitement by the bad passions of opposers. The enemies of the truth may form parties, and organize opposition. It is no uncommon thing even now for such parties to be formed; but the fault is not in Christianity. It lies with those who form a party against religion, and who confederate themselves, as was done here, to oppose it.
"And when there was made an onset both of the Gentiles and of the Jews with their rulers, to treat them shamefully and to stone them," — Acts 14:5 (ASV)
An assault made. Greek, A rush—ormh. It denotes an impetuous excitement and aggression: a rush to put them to death. It rather describes a popular tumult than a calm and deliberate purpose. There was a violent, tumultuous excitement.
Both of the Gentiles, etc. Meaning, that part of them that was opposed to the apostles.
To use them despitefully. (See Barnes on Matthew 5:44).
To reproach them; to bring contempt upon them; to injure them.
To stone them. To put them to death by stoning, probably as blasphemers (Acts 7:57–59).
Jump to: