Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 14:19-28

"But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 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. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. And they passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia. And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia; and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles. And they tarried no little time with the disciples." — Acts 14:19-28 (ASV)

See how restless the rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Christ. The people stoned Paul in a popular tumult. So strong is the inclination of the corrupt and carnal heart, that as it is with great difficulty that people are kept back from evil on one side, so it is with great ease they are persuaded to evil on the other side. If Paul had been Mercury, he might have been worshipped; but if he is to be a faithful minister of Christ, he will be stoned and thrown out of the city.

Thus, people who easily submit to strong delusions hate to receive the truth in the love of it. All who are converted need to be confirmed in the faith; all who are planted need to be rooted. Ministers' work is to establish saints as well as to awaken sinners. The grace of God, and nothing less, effectually establishes the souls of the disciples.

It is true, we must expect much tribulation, but it is an encouragement that we will not be lost and perish in it. The Person to whose power and grace the converts and the newly-established churches are commended, clearly was the Lord Jesus, on whom they had believed. It was an act of worship. The praise of all the little good we do at any time must be ascribed to God, for it is He who not only worketh in us both to will and to do, but also works with us to make what we do successful.

All who love the Lord Jesus will rejoice to hear that he has opened the door of faith wide to those who were strangers to him and to his salvation. And let us, like the apostles, abide with those who know and love the Lord.