Acts Chapter 14: Paul and Barnabas’ Mission and Perseverance


Summary
Acts 14 narrates the continuation of Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey, detailing their preaching, miracles, and perseverance amid opposition in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, and their return to strengthen new churches. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Ministry in Iconium (14:1–7): In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue, winning many Jews and Greeks. Unbelieving Jews stir opposition, dividing the city. They perform signs and wonders, but a plot to stone them forces them to flee to Lystra and Derbe.
  • Healing and Misunderstanding in Lystra (14:8–18): In Lystra, Paul heals a man lame from birth, prompting the crowd to mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods (Hermes and Zeus). The priest of Zeus prepares sacrifices, but Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes, proclaiming the living God who created all things, barely restraining the crowd.
  • Stoning and Escape to Derbe (14:19–20): Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrive, persuading the crowd to stone Paul. Left for dead, Paul rises, re-enters Lystra, and departs with Barnabas to Derbe, where they preach successfully.
  • Return and Strengthening Churches (14:21–28): After making disciples in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps, encouraging churches in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, appointing elders, and commending them to God. They return to Antioch (Syria), reporting God’s work among Gentiles, and remain there.
Cross-References
  • Iconium Ministry:
    • Acts 13:44–52: Similar synagogue preaching in Antioch.
    • 2 Timothy 3:11: Paul’s persecutions in Iconium.
    • Mark 16:20: Signs confirming the word.
  • Lystra Healing:
    • Acts 3:1–10: Peter heals a lame man.
    • Isaiah 35:6: Messianic healing signs.
    • Acts 19:11–12: Paul’s miracles.
  • Misunderstanding as Gods:
    • Acts 28:6: Maltese view Paul as divine.
    • Genesis 1:1: God as Creator, echoed in 14:15.
    • Exodus 20:3: No other gods.
  • Stoning and Perseverance:
    • 2 Corinthians 11:25: Paul’s stoning.
    • Acts 7:58: Stephen’s stoning.
    • Philippians 1:29: Suffering for Christ.
  • Strengthening Churches:
    • Acts 15:41: Paul strengthens churches.
    • Titus 1:5: Appointing elders.
    • Ephesians 4:11–12: Equipping believers.
  • General Theme:
    • Acts 1:8: Gospel to all nations.
    • Romans 15:19: Power of signs and wonders.
Theological Meaning
Acts 14 is rich with theological themes that highlight the gospel’s advance and God’s faithfulness:
  • Gospel’s Power: Miracles (14:3, 10) confirm the message, drawing Jews and Gentiles to faith, showing God’s active presence (Hebrews 2:4; Acts 13:48).
  • Perseverance in Persecution: Paul’s endurance through stoning and opposition (14:19–20) models steadfastness, affirming suffering as part of discipleship (John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12).
  • God’s Sovereignty: Despite plots (14:5) and violence (14:19), God protects Paul and Barnabas, ensuring the mission continues (Psalm 34:19; Acts 18:10).
  • Creator’s Supremacy: Paul’s sermon in Lystra (14:15–17) emphasizes the living God over idols, appealing to natural revelation to reach pagans (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1).
  • Church Establishment: Appointing elders and encouraging believers (14:22–23) show the importance of structured, resilient churches for long-term growth (Titus 1:5; Acts 20:28).
  • Mission’s Fruitfulness: The report to Antioch (14:27) celebrates Gentile inclusion, fulfilling God’s promise to open faith’s door to all (Isaiah 49:6; Acts 1:8).
  • Human Frailty vs. Divine Glory: The Lystra crowd’s error (14:11–12) highlights human tendency to idolize, but Paul redirects glory to God (1 Corinthians 3:7).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why did Paul and Barnabas start in Iconium’s synagogue (14:1)?
    • As Jews, they preached to Jews and God-fearing Greeks first, using Scripture to prove Jesus is the Messiah (14:1; Romans 1:16; Acts 13:14). It was a strategic entry point.
  2. What caused the division in Iconium (14:2–4)?
    • Unbelieving Jews, rejecting Paul’s message, poisoned the city against them, splitting Jews and Gentiles into believers and opponents (14:2–4; Acts 17:5). The gospel often divides (Luke 12:51).
  3. Why did the Lystra crowd think Paul and Barnabas were gods (14:11–12)?
    • The healing miracle (14:10) amazed the pagan crowd, who interpreted it through their mythology, calling Paul Hermes (messenger) and Barnabas Zeus (chief god; 14:12; Acts 28:6).
  4. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to being called gods (14:14–15)?
    • They tore their clothes in distress, rejecting worship and proclaiming the living God who created all, urging the crowd to turn from idols (14:14–15; Exodus 20:3; Acts 17:24).
  5. Why was Paul stoned in Lystra (14:19)?
    • Jews from Antioch and Iconium, opposed to Paul’s gospel, persuaded the fickle Lystra crowd to stone him, a common punishment for blasphemy (14:19; Acts 7:58; Leviticus 24:16).
  6. How did Paul survive the stoning (14:20)?
    • Left for dead, Paul was likely revived by God’s power or protected, as disciples gathered around him (14:20; 2 Corinthians 11:25). He courageously re-entered Lystra (Psalm 41:10).
  7. Why did Paul and Barnabas appoint elders (14:23)?
    • Elders were appointed to lead and protect new churches, ensuring stability and growth after Paul’s departure (14:23; Titus 1:5). Prayer and fasting showed reliance on God (Acts 6:6).
  8. What was the significance of their report in Antioch (14:27)?
    • Paul and Barnabas shared how God opened faith to Gentiles, fulfilling His mission and encouraging the sending church (14:27; Acts 13:47). It affirmed their call (Acts 13:2).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: The journey (circa AD 46–48) targeted Galatian cities (14:1; Galatians 1:2). Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe were in the Roman province of Galatia, with mixed populations (14:1, 6). Claudius’ edict (Acts 18:2) dates this period. Synagogues (14:1) were community hubs for Jews and proselytes. Lystra’s paganism (14:11) reflected Lycaonian culture (Ovid, Metamorphoses 8.626–724). Stoning (14:19) was a Jewish penalty, showing diaspora influence. Elders (14:23) were modeled on Jewish synagogue leadership.
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why signs were needed (14:3). Miracles authenticated the gospel in new regions (Hebrews 2:4). Tearing clothes (14:14) signaled horror at blasphemy (Mark 14:63). The crowd’s shift (14:19) reflects mob volatility, common in ancient cities (Acts 19:28). The “door of faith” (14:27) was a metaphor for Gentile salvation (Romans 3:29). Fasting (14:23) accompanied serious decisions (Acts 13:3).
  • Application: Acts 14 calls believers to proclaim the gospel boldly, persevere through suffering, and trust God’s power. It urges building strong churches and giving glory to God alone, advancing His mission (1 Peter 4:16).
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