Acts 14 6

Acts 14:6 kjv

They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

Acts 14:6 nkjv

they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.

Acts 14:6 niv

But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country,

Acts 14:6 esv

they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,

Acts 14:6 nlt

When the apostles learned of it, they fled to the region of Lycaonia ? to the towns of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding area.

Acts 14 verses

Acts 14 6 Meaning

Acts 14:6 details the strategic and divinely guided decision of Barnabas and Paul to withdraw from Iconium due to a severe plot against their lives, relocating their missionary efforts to Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region of Lycaonia. This verse signifies the resilience and adaptability of the apostles in the face of persecution, demonstrating their commitment to continuing the spread of the Gospel, even when it required physical relocation and entering new, potentially less receptive territories.

Acts 14 6 Context

Acts chapter 14 describes the continued missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They had spent a significant time in Iconium (Acts 14:1-5), proclaiming the Gospel with signs and wonders, which led to a division among the populace—some embracing faith, others aligning with unbelieving Jews to persecute the apostles. This immediate context reveals that a specific and violent plot had coalesced: the hostile Jews and Gentiles intended to mistreat and stone them. Therefore, their "fleeing" was not a result of simple opposition but a targeted, life-threatening assault. The historical and cultural backdrop includes the widespread presence of Jewish synagogues in Roman cities, often serving as initial points of Gospel proclamation but also focal points of conflict due to the clash between traditional Jewish beliefs and the Christian message. Lycaonia, where Lystra and Derbe were located, was a less Hellenized, more rural region compared to Iconium, suggesting a different social and religious environment awaiting the missionaries.

Acts 14 6 Word analysis

• They: Refers directly to the missionary duo, Barnabas and Paul, who are the subjects of the narrative actions. This highlights their unity in mission and shared experience.
• becoming aware of it: (Greek: synidontes, συνιδόντες) - From syn (with, together) and eido (to see, to know). This term conveys more than simple awareness; it implies a deep understanding, discerning insight, or coming to full knowledge of a situation, specifically the plot against them. This wasn't a panicked reaction but a calculated, informed decision based on clear intelligence.
• fled: (Greek: katephygon, κατέφυγον) - A strong verb meaning "to take refuge," "to flee for shelter." It is not merely "to run away" but to make a deliberate retreat to a safer place. This choice of word indicates prudence and wisdom in escaping a perilous situation, echoing Christ's own teaching (Matt 10:23) rather than cowardice. The apostles preserved their lives for the sake of continuing the mission.
• to Lystra and Derbe: These are specific cities chosen as the next destination for ministry. Lystra was notably the hometown of Timothy (Acts 16:1-3), later a close companion of Paul. This journey extended their reach into less evangelized territories.
• cities of Lycaonia: This geographical detail places Lystra and Derbe within a specific region. Lycaonia was a lesser-known, more rural Roman province in central Asia Minor, culturally and linguistically distinct. This indicates the expansion of the Gospel beyond more established Greek and Jewish communities.
• and to the surrounding region: This phrase denotes that their ministry was not confined merely to the city limits of Lystra and Derbe but extended to the surrounding towns and villages, indicating a comprehensive and expansive approach to evangelism in that area. It implies ongoing and widespread missionary activity beyond the initial refuge cities.

Acts 14 6 Bonus section

The account of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14:6 underscores the missionary principle that opposition, rather than halting the spread of the Gospel, can often serve to disperse and further propagate it. This principle is vividly illustrated earlier in Acts with the scattering of believers after Stephen's martyrdom, which led to the Gospel reaching Samaria and beyond. The choice of Lycaonia, a region possibly less influenced by Jewish synagogal structures, also suggests an openness to broader Gentile evangelism. Furthermore, this verse sets the stage for dramatic events in Lystra, including the healing of a crippled man and the apostles being mistaken for gods (Zeus and Hermes), followed by intense persecution where Paul is stoned. Even in Lystra, after enduring such severe treatment, the apostles persevere to Derbe and later revisit these cities (Acts 14:21-23), illustrating extraordinary fortitude and commitment to the discipleship process.

Acts 14 6 Commentary

Acts 14:6 succinctly describes a pivotal moment in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, demonstrating a profound spiritual wisdom alongside apostolic zeal. Their withdrawal from Iconium was not a sign of fear, but an exercise in divine prudence, aligning with Jesus' own instruction to flee persecution in one city to evangelize in another. This strategic move highlights that effective ministry often requires adaptability and responsiveness to circumstances, prioritizing the preservation of life for the sake of the ongoing proclamation of the Gospel. It underscores that God's plan for the spread of His word is often realized through dynamic movement and resilience in the face of severe opposition. The shift to Lystra and Derbe represents both a tactical retreat and a strategic advance into new, potentially challenging, missionary frontiers, fulfilling the Great Commission through courageous obedience.