John Calvin Commentary Acts 14:1

"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)

In the preceding chapter, Luke declared how Paul and Barnabas undertook their mission to the Gentiles. Furthermore, it might seem to be an unpromising and unfortunate beginning, in that they were not only expelled from Antioch but also forced by the obstinate wickedness of certain individuals to shake the dust from their feet.

But although they had only a short reception in one place, they do not yield, because they consider that the Lord had called them on the condition that they should do their duty, even if the whole world and Satan were to oppose them. Therefore, we see that they came not only ready to teach but also armed to enter conflicts, so that they might courageously proceed in publishing the gospel, even in the midst of struggles.

And assuredly, that which was once spoken to Jeremiah is common to all the prophets and ministers of God:

“They shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail,” (Jeremiah 1:19).

Now, wherever they flee, they still carry the same courage with them. This shows that they were not only equipped for one battle but for continual warfare, which Luke now continues to describe. He says first that they came to Iconium, and he also shows that they did not seek a haven there where they might rest quietly; instead, they entered the synagogue as if they had suffered no harm at all.

I refer the word Κατα το αυτο, since it means among the Greeks together, or at the same time, to the Jews rather than to Paul and Barnabas. Therefore, I interpret it thus: not that they both went in together, but that they followed the multitude at the solemn and appointed time of the meeting. From this we gather that they did not speak secretly with a few men, but in a great assembly of people.

By this, they declare their boldness and eagerness; they are so far from fearing envy or avoiding danger.

That a great multitude believed. Just as Luke previously showed the power of the Spirit in Paul and Barnabas, so now he describes another grace of God in the prosperous success they had. For a single sermon they preached was not fruitless, but it brought forth many children of God, from both the Jews and the Gentiles.

If one, or two, or a few had believed, they might have thought that they had done well; but the Lord confirms them far better, as they gather such plentiful fruit from their doctrine in so short a time.

For they knew that so many people's hearts were converted to believe, not so much by their own speaking as by the power of the Spirit. This also assured them that they were defended by the outstretched hand of God, which greatly encouraged them.