Acts 14 1

Acts 14:1 kjv

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

Acts 14:1 nkjv

Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.

Acts 14:1 niv

At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.

Acts 14:1 esv

Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.

Acts 14:1 nlt

The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers.

Acts 14 verses

Acts 14 1 Meaning

Acts 14:1 describes Paul and Barnabas' arrival in Iconium after their previous evangelistic endeavors and the resulting opposition in Antioch of Pisidia. Upon entering the city, they immediately proceeded to the Jewish synagogue, maintaining their established missionary strategy. There, their proclamation of the Gospel was profoundly impactful, conveyed with divine power and compelling conviction. This resulted in a significant and diverse group—both Jews and Hellenistic God-fearers, here referred to as Greeks—responding positively to the message and embracing faith in Jesus as the Christ. The verse highlights the continued reach of the Gospel, bridging traditional divides, and the effectiveness of their Spirit-empowered ministry despite past hardships.

Acts 14 1 Context

Acts chapter 14 continues the narrative of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, picking up immediately after their expulsion from Antioch in Pisidia. Having been "filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52) despite persecution, they travel approximately 80 miles east to Iconium, a significant city on the borders of Phrygia and Lycaonia in Asia Minor. Historically, Iconium was a bustling Roman provincial capital known for its mixed population of native Phrygians, Greeks, and a notable Jewish community with its own synagogue. The events in Acts 14 describe the predictable pattern of their ministry: initial success in the synagogue leading to a great number of converts, followed by the inevitable opposition from unbelieving Jews, stirring up Gentiles against them, forcing them eventually to flee to Lystra and Derbe. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic spread of the Gospel, the accompanying spiritual conflict, and the apostles' unwavering commitment despite severe trials.

Acts 14 1 Word analysis

• Now at Iconium: Signifies a geographical progression and continuation of the missionary journey. After facing persecution and expulsion from Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:50-51), Paul and Barnabas demonstrate resilience and determination, immediately moving to the next major city to resume their evangelistic work.
• they entered together (Greek: synēlthon - συνῆλθον): Emphasizes their unity of purpose and shared mission. Paul and Barnabas are partners, complementing each other in their apostolic work. It reflects their common understanding of their divine commission.
• into the Jewish synagogue (Greek: tēn synagōgēn tōn Ioudaiōn - τὴν συναγωγὴν τῶν Ἰουδαίων): Highlights Paul's consistent missionary strategy of first going to the synagogue. This approach allowed them to reach an audience already familiar with monotheism, the Scriptures (Old Testament), and the expectation of a Messiah, providing a foundational bridge for the Gospel message. It also implies the presence of "God-fearers" (Gentile adherents to Judaism) alongside ethnic Jews.
• and spoke in such a way (Greek: elalēsan houtōs - ἐλάλησαν οὕτως): This phrase speaks to both the content and the manner of their proclamation. The content was undoubtedly the death and resurrection of Jesus as the Christ, fulfilling the prophecies (cf. Acts 13:16-41). The "such a way" indicates divine empowerment by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak with conviction, clarity, authority, and persuasive power that transcended mere human rhetoric.
• that a great multitude (Greek: plēthous pollou - πλήθους πολλοῦ): Denotes a large and significant number of people. It indicates the profound impact and wide reception of the apostles' message, showing the Gospel's power to draw many to faith.
• both of Jews and of Greeks (Greek: Ioudaiōn te kai Hellēnōn - Ἰουδαίων τε καὶ Ἑλλήνων): This is a crucial universalizing statement. "Jews" refers to ethnic Hebrews, while "Greeks" here primarily denotes Gentile "God-fearers" who attended the synagogue. This dual conversion demonstrates the Gospel's power to break down the traditional barrier between Jew and Gentile, fulfilling God's universal redemptive plan for all nations (Gal 3:28).
• believed (Greek: episteusan - ἐπίστευσαν): Signifies genuine faith, implying a conscious acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior based on the apostles' message. This goes beyond intellectual assent to a transformative commitment that resulted in a change of life and allegiance.

Words-group analysis

• "Entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way": This phrase encapsulates Paul and Barnabas' deliberate, united, and spiritually empowered approach to evangelism. Their strategic entry into the synagogue served as a key launchpad for the Gospel's dissemination, leveraging existing religious frameworks to introduce Christ. The effectiveness of their speaking underscores the Holy Spirit's role in empowering their proclamation beyond mere human ability.
• "a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed": This highlights the expansive and inclusive nature of the Gospel's reach. It signals that salvation in Christ is for all people, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. The significant number signifies a powerful spiritual awakening, indicating the fertility of the soil where the seed of the Word was sown and watered by divine grace.

Acts 14 1 Bonus section

The phrase "spoke in such a way" implies a dynamic quality of preaching, integrating fervent spiritual conviction, clear biblical exposition, and demonstrative power. It aligns with Peter's sermon on Pentecost and Stephen's speaking (Acts 6:10). The inclusion of "Greeks" in the synagogue setting is vital, emphasizing the role of God-fearers as crucial bridges to the broader Gentile world. Their belief signaled that the Gentile mission was not just a side-note but an intrinsic part of God's unfolding plan of salvation for all humanity. This immediate success at Iconium also anticipates the severe persecution that will soon follow, highlighting the biblical pattern where Gospel triumphs often precede trials (cf. 2 Tim 3:12). The verse sets up the spiritual warfare narrative common in Acts, where light inevitably encounters darkness.

Acts 14 1 Commentary

Acts 14:1 serves as a poignant illustration of the relentless, Spirit-driven advance of the Gospel. Despite recent intense persecution and expulsion from Antioch, Paul and Barnabas immediately demonstrate Christ-like resilience, pressing forward in their mission to Iconium. Their steadfast strategy of engaging the Jewish synagogue first showcases wisdom, seeking those already prepared to hear about the Messiah, even as it set the stage for later conflict. The pivotal phrase "spoke in such a way" is central; it implies that their preaching was not merely human eloquence but a divinely anointed, persuasive, and authoritative proclamation of truth, compelling hearers to respond. The significant response from both Jews and Greeks underscores the universal appeal and power of the Gospel to transcend historical, religious, and cultural divides, forging one new people in Christ. It's a testament to the fact that when God's Word is faithfully declared with the Spirit's power, many will be drawn to saving faith. This also teaches us the courage to speak for Christ even in adverse circumstances and the importance of both the truth we proclaim and the spiritual conviction with which we proclaim it.