Acts 14 2

Acts 14:2 kjv

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Acts 14:2 nkjv

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.

Acts 14:2 niv

But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Acts 14:2 esv

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Acts 14:2 nlt

Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas.

Acts 14 verses

Acts 14 2 Meaning

Acts 14:2 reveals a pivotal challenge in the early apostolic mission in Iconium, where certain Jews, who had not embraced the Gospel, actively provoked local non-Jewish people. These "unbelieving Jews" engaged in malicious spiritual manipulation, corrupting the disposition of the Gentiles, causing them to develop an adverse sentiment and active hostility towards Paul, Barnabas, and the nascent Christian community. This verse describes an intentional and insidious instigation, leading to poisoned perspectives and generating opposition to the brothers who carried the message of Christ.

Acts 14 2 Context

This verse describes a crucial event following the apostles' initial successful preaching in Iconium. Acts 14:1 reports that Paul and Barnabas preached with such power that "a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed." This widespread acceptance naturally provoked a counter-reaction from those who opposed their message. Acts 14:2 immediately follows this success, revealing the active and malevolent instigation that began to sour the atmosphere in Iconium. The context of Jewish diasporas in the Roman Empire saw synagogues as central community hubs. Jewish leaders often held significant sway within these communities and sometimes, through trade and social ties, considerable influence over parts of the Gentile population. Their opposition often stemmed from a theological rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, a rejection of Gentile inclusion into God's covenant apart from full adherence to Jewish law, and concerns about potential unrest or disruption to their established status within Roman society. The "stirring up" and "poisoning of minds" describes a deliberate campaign to turn popular sentiment against the nascent Christian movement, creating a volatile environment that would ultimately threaten the apostles' lives (Acts 14:5-6).

Acts 14 2 Word analysis

• But (δέ - de): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a contrast or opposition to what has just been stated. In this case, it contrasts the successful reception of the Gospel by many with the negative action of others.
• the unbelieving (ἀπειθέντες - apeithentes): From apeitheo, meaning "to disobey," "to refuse to believe," "to be incredulous." It signifies not just a lack of faith, but an active, willful resistance to the truth presented. It points to a deliberate stance against the divine message.
• Jews (Ἰουδαῖοι - Ioudaioi): Refers to the specific group of ethnic and religious Jews who disbelieved the Gospel message of Christ. It highlights that the opposition did not come from all Jews, but a specific faction among them.
• stirred up (ἐπήγειραν - epēgeiran): From epaireō, meaning "to rouse," "to stir up," "to incite." It denotes an active, deliberate action to instigate or incite hostility, implying manipulation and agitation. It is a forceful term suggesting the kindling of strong negative emotions.
• the Gentiles (τὰ ἔθνη - ta ethnē): Refers to the non-Jewish populace. The word literally means "the nations." This emphasizes the success of the Jewish instigators in influencing those outside their immediate religious group, indicating their significant social and persuasive power.
• and poisoned (ἐκάκωσαν - ekakōsan): From kakoō, meaning "to treat badly," "to abuse," but here carrying the specific connotation of "to poison" or "to embitter," "to malign," "to injure morally/spiritually." It is a potent metaphor, implying a malicious corruption or warping of thoughts and attitudes, turning what might have been neutral or positive sentiment into hostility. This verb implies more than just verbal slander; it points to a deep internal corruption of judgment.
• their minds (τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν - tas psychas autōn): Literally "their souls" or "their inner selves." Psychē encompasses the mind, will, emotions, and life force. By poisoning their "souls," the unbelieving Jews were not merely misinforming the Gentiles but deeply corrupting their spiritual and moral discernment, turning their hearts and affections against the "brothers." This is a deep form of spiritual harm.
• against the brothers (κατὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν - kata tōn adelphōn): "The brothers" here primarily refers to Paul and Barnabas, who were leading the mission. By extension, it also includes the new converts, forming the fledgling Christian community. "Against" (kata) clearly indicates antagonism and opposition aimed at causing harm.

Words-group analysis:

• "unbelieving Jews stirred up": This phrase establishes the direct agency and source of the conflict. It wasn't incidental, but a deliberate act of incitement by a specific faction. It points to the intentional spreading of discord by those resistant to the Gospel's truth.
• "stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds": This sequence describes both the outward action (stirring up a crowd) and the insidious inward impact (corrupting their deepest attitudes and convictions). The "poisoning of minds" is the true spiritual battleground, influencing perception and causing internal hostility rather than just external protest. This highlights the cunning and spiritual malevolence behind the opposition.
• "poisoned their minds against the brothers": This defines the clear target and intention of the malicious influence. The goal was to discredit and endanger the apostles and, by extension, the entire Christian message and community. It shows the calculated effort to turn a potentially receptive audience into an antagonistic one.

Acts 14 2 Bonus section

The phrase "poisoned their minds" underscores that opposition to the Gospel often targets the internal landscape of a person, seeking to corrupt understanding, plant doubt, and foster hostility at a deep level. This is not merely intellectual disagreement but an attack on the psychē, the soul or inner person, aiming to pervert their perception of divine truth and those who proclaim it. This psychological and spiritual warfare aligns with other biblical descriptions of demonic activity and false teaching that seeks to "blind the minds" (2 Cor 4:4) or lead astray (1 Tim 4:1). The consistent pattern of Jewish rejection and instigation throughout Acts, as seen in Damascus (Acts 9:23), Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:45, 50), and now Iconium, highlights a persistent spiritual battle against the advance of God's Word among the nations.

Acts 14 2 Commentary

Acts 14:2 provides insight into the nature of opposition encountered by the early church. It reveals that rejection of the Gospel was not passive; it frequently escalated into active, organized hostility. The "unbelieving Jews" acted as agents of discord, meticulously working to counteract the Gospel's positive impact. Their method was not mere disagreement but an insidious campaign of "poisoning minds," a strong metaphor for malicious propaganda and spiritual deception. This "poisoning" transcended simple misunderstanding; it was a deep-seated corruption of inner judgment and affections, aimed at inciting hatred and antagonism in the Gentiles. This dynamic shows how the enemy works, not always through direct physical attack first, but often by subtly twisting perception and inciting animosity. It serves as a reminder that the spread of the Kingdom often faces concerted spiritual warfare that manifests in human resistance.