Acts 14 24

Acts 14:24 kjv

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

Acts 14:24 nkjv

And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

Acts 14:24 niv

After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,

Acts 14:24 esv

Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.

Acts 14:24 nlt

Then they traveled back through Pisidia to Pamphylia.

Acts 14 verses

Acts 14 24 Meaning

Acts 14:24 describes the continued journey of the Apostles Paul and Barnabas. After their extensive ministry and revisited travels within the Pisidian region, they then moved into the coastal province of Pamphylia. This marks a significant geographical transition, completing a loop back towards their point of embarkation for the journey home, indicating the planned and progressive nature of their first missionary endeavor.

Acts 14 24 Context

Acts chapter 14 describes the intense experiences of Paul and Barnabas during the middle phase of their first missionary journey. Following successful evangelistic efforts in Pisidian Antioch, they faced severe persecution from opposing Jewish leaders, leading to their expulsion (Acts 13:50-51). They then moved to Iconium, where they again preached with signs and wonders, but a plot to stone them forced their flight (Acts 14:1-6). In Lystra, after healing a lame man, they were nearly worshipped as gods, only to be stoned by agitators from Antioch and Iconium, with Paul left for dead (Acts 14:8-19). Undeterred, they proceeded to Derbe, preached the Gospel, and made many disciples (Acts 14:20-21). Acts 14:21-23 recounts their bold decision to retrace their steps through Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch, strengthening and establishing the new believers by confirming their souls, exhorting them to remain in the faith amidst tribulations, and ordaining elders in every church. Verse 24 marks the conclusion of this arduous inland circuit. They are now moving out of the rugged interior region of Pisidia and down towards the Roman province of Pamphylia on the southern coast, which they had briefly visited at the journey's outset (Acts 13:13). This sets the stage for their imminent return journey by sea to Syrian Antioch, from where their mission began.

Acts 14 24 Word analysis

• And: (Greek: Kai, καὶ) A simple conjunction. It connects this action of travel to the preceding work of strengthening the churches and ordaining elders (Acts 14:21-23), indicating a continuous flow in their missionary enterprise.
• after they had passed throughout: (Greek: dielthontes, διελθόντες, from dierchomai, διέρχομαι) Meaning "having gone through," "to pass through thoroughly," "to traverse." This implies a comprehensive or systematic journey through the region, rather than a mere hurried passage. It suggests a methodical progress, likely re-visiting key areas or following specific routes. This phrase indicates the culmination of their work in Pisidia, including the courageous retracing of their steps through previously hostile cities.
• Pisidia: (Greek: Pisidia, Πισιδία) A rugged, mountainous region in central Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), located north of Pamphylia. Pisidian Antioch, a major Roman colony within this region, had been a significant center of their missionary activity, as well as a place of severe persecution. The mention here refers to the geographical area encompassing Pisidian Antioch and the surrounding routes they traveled.
• they came to: (Greek: elthon eis, ἦλθον εἰς, from erchomai, ἔρχομαι, "to come, go," plus eis, "into, to") Denotes a deliberate and purposeful arrival at a destination.
• Pamphylia: (Greek: Pamphylia, Παμφυλία) A Roman senatorial province situated on the southern coast of Asia Minor. It contained important coastal cities like Perga and Attalia. The apostles had initially landed in Perga, Pamphylia (Acts 13:13), at the beginning of this journey before proceeding inland. Their return to Pamphylia signals that they were completing a strategic circuit and positioning themselves for a sea voyage back to Antioch in Syria.

Words-group analysis

• "And after they had passed throughout Pisidia": This phrase encapsulates the final segment of their inland ministry circuit. It emphasizes not just travel, but a completion of their mission within Pisidia—a region where they faced immense challenge yet established churches. "Passed throughout" can imply revisiting or journeying methodically, consolidating the work.
• "they came to Pamphylia": This signifies their return to the coastal area, bringing them back to the general vicinity where their land-based mission began. This destination sets the stage for their ultimate return journey by sea, marking the end of the first leg of their missionary work. It implies a strategic decision to use the well-known coastal routes and ports.

Acts 14 24 Bonus section

• The terrain in Pisidia was notoriously difficult and mountainous, often home to brigands. The journey "throughout" would have been arduous, reinforcing the apostles' unwavering commitment.
• Pamphylia had been the first landing spot for Paul and Barnabas in Asia Minor (Acts 13:13). Their initial swift departure inland (and John Mark's subsequent leaving of the mission in Perga, Pamphylia) highlights that Pamphylia itself might not have been their primary focus for extended ministry at that initial stage. Their return to Pamphylia suggests a deliberate decision to use its port cities for their journey home, thus concluding their established itinerary.
• Luke's concise reporting of such journeys indicates a focused narrative on the proclamation of the Gospel and the formation of the Church, with travel details serving primarily as geographical markers for these key events.

Acts 14 24 Commentary

Acts 14:24 serves as a succinct geographical and chronological marker within the narrative of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. It denotes their orderly progression, moving from the inland, rugged, and often hostile territory of Pisidia back towards the more settled coastal region of Pamphylia. The deliberate action of "passing throughout Pisidia" after strengthening the disciples and establishing leadership in the newly formed churches underscores their thoroughness and resilience in ministry. This verse sets the stage for the mission's conclusion, as they gather themselves in Pamphylia's port cities, preparing for the sea voyage home (Acts 14:25-28). It highlights the practical logistical aspects of apostolic travel while implicitly confirming their unwavering dedication to fulfilling the Great Commission despite the hardships and persecutions they endured. The movement signifies the closing of a significant and formative chapter in early Christian missions, marked by pioneering evangelism and nascent church formation.