An assault made - Ὁρμη , A desperate attempt was made by their rulers, i.e. by the heathen rulers of the people, and the rulers of the synagogue. To use them despitefully - To expose them, bring them into contempt, and make them appear as monsters, or movers of sedition; and then to stone them for this falsely alleged crime. read more
Verse 1− − 1.] In the chapter last going before, Luke declared how Paul and Barnabas took in hand their embassage unto the Gentiles. Furthermore, it might seem to be an unprosperous and unlucky beginning, in that they were not only expelled out of Antioch, but also enforced by the obstinate wickedness of certain to shake off the dust from their feet. But though they had but short entertainment − (1) in one place, yet do they not yield; because they consider that the Lord had called them upon... read more
Verse 2− 2.And those Jews which believed not Lo, they are persecuted now afresh, and that by the Jews, for they were like firebrands to inflame the minds of the Gentiles; for it is to be thought that the Gentiles could abide to hear the gospel preached, unless they had been incensed to resist by these fans. − (5) I interpret κακωσαι in this place for to resist − (6) with a malicious affection, or to enforce to do hurt. Under the name brethren, Luke comprehendeth, in my judgment, all the godly;... read more
Verse 3− 3.A long time. Luke declareth here, that Paul and Barnabas did not depart the city so soon as they saw some set against them, for when he saith that they behaved themselves boldly, he giveth us an inkling − (7) that there was cause of fear offered them. Whence we gather that they stood stoutly, and that through rare constancy and courage they counted all dangers as nothing, until they were compelled by violence to depart to another place. This clause, επι κυριω, may be expounded... read more
Verse 4− 4.The multitude was divided. The most troublesome part of the tragedy − (9) followeth now, for the city is divided into two parts; and at length Paul and Barnabas (being enforced by the uproar of the people) depart unto another place. If it be demanded what was the original of the discord, assuredly it flowed from the gospel, to which, notwithstanding, there is nothing more contrary than to cause discord; but the forwardness of men causeth that the gospel, which ought to be the bond... read more
Verse 5− 5.Mark how far forth the holy champions of Christ did suffer. They give not back when their enemies do only set themselves against them; but when the sedition waxeth hot, and they be in danger of stoning, though they have many favorers of their doctrine, they go no further, but remembering the saying of Christ, wherein he warneth the faithful in patience to possess their souls, they avoid the fury of the enemy. And though they fly, lest they − (13) throw themselves headlong into... read more
Entered for went both, A.V.; Jews for the Jews, A.V.; and for and also, A.V.; Greeks for the Greeks, A.V. Observe how in every case Greeks are found attending the synagogue. So spake , etc. This illustrates the statement in Romans 10:17 , that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." read more
Apostolic (ministerial) experience. I. THE PRIVILEGE OF PREACHING . The apostles at Iconium "so spake" ( Acts 14:1 ), i.e. wit such force, persuasiveness, fidelity, that "a great multitude believed" ( Acts 14:1 ); "they abode speaking boldly in the Lord" ( Acts 14:3 ), i.e. they urged the truth with fearless vigor, their confidence being grounded on God's presence and support; "there they preached the gospel" ( Acts 14:7 ). There is no vocation which any man can... read more
The gospel at Iconium. There was a series of acts and events such as seem typical of the progress of the gospel elsewhere. I. FAITHFUL AND SUCCESSFUL PREACHING OF THE WORD . Many, Jews and Greeks, believed. This is the one test of true preaching. Is the truth "commended to the conscience"? Are great moral laws brought out distinctly, so that the heart of the people leaps up, in truth set free? He who preaches out of his heart alone reaches to the heart. The arguments that... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:4
The multitude of the city was divided - The Jews treated the apostles as false teachers, and their miracles as impositions; and many of the people held with them: while the others, who had not hardened their hearts against the truth, felt the force of it; and, being without prejudice, could easily discern the miracles to be the work of God, and therefore held with the apostles. read more