Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 14:20

"But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and entered into the city: and on the morrow he went forth with Barnabas to Derbe." — Acts 14:20 (ASV)

Howbeit. But; this was notwithstanding the supposition that he was dead.

As the disciples stood round about him. It would seem that they did not suppose that he was dead, but might have been expecting that he would revive.

He rose up, etc. Most commentators have supposed that this was the effect of a miracle. They have maintained that he could not have risen so soon and entered into the city without the interposition of miraculous power (Calvin, Doddridge, Clark, etc.).

But these commentators have asserted what is not intimated by the sacred penman. Nor is there propriety in supposing the intervention of miraculous agency when it is not necessary.

The probability is that he was stunned by a blow—perhaps a single blow—and after a short time recovered from it. Nothing is more common than for such a violent blow to the head to render a person apparently lifeless, an effect which soon passes, and the person is restored to strength.

Pricaeus and Wetstein suppose that Paul feigned himself to be dead, and when out of danger rose and

And came into the city. It is remarkable that he should have returned to the same city. But probably it was only among the new converts that he showed himself. The Jews supposed that he was dead, and it does not appear that he again exposed himself to their rage.

And the next day, etc. The opposition here was such that it was vain to attempt to preach there any longer. Having been seen by the disciples after his supposed death, their faith was confirmed, and he departed to preach in another place.

To Derbe (Acts 14:6).

"Howbeit" means "But" .