Made many disciples for taught many, A.V.; returned for returned again, A.V.; to Antioch for Antioch, A.V. Made many disciples ( μαθητεύσαντες ἱκανοὺς ) ; comp. Matthew 28:19 . What admirable constancy thus to run fresh risks to life and limb in order to win souls to Christ! read more
The Christian leader and the novitiate. Driven from Lystra by the turbulence of the people, Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe, and there they "preached the gospel;" they seem to have been unmolested, and consequently they "taught many people" ( Acts 14:21 ). Having traveled so far eastward towards Antioch, it became a question whether they should go on or return. Thus we come, as they came, to consider— I. THE FUNCTION OF THE CHRISTIAN LEADER in relation to the Christian... read more
Return to Antioch: a picture of apostolic activity. The scene quickly changed at Lystra. The multitude, wrought upon by Jews from Antioch and Iconium, rise up against Paul, and stone their late hero and god. Fickle world, which now brings garlands and now stones! "Every generation stones by-and-by its own gods, but every time has its own method of stoning." The boldest antagonists of the kingdom of darkness arouse most foes; Paul is stoned, not Barnabas. Perhaps his own act comes back upon... read more
The return home. The furthest limit of the mission of Paul and Barnabas is not reached till their visit is paid to Derbe. After the recovery by miracle of Paul from his stoning, the next day he advances with Barnabas to Derbe. And after some time spent there and much work done, of which no details are given, the two apostles set their face homeward. And it is evident that the Spirit still leads them. For— I. WITH THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THE GROUND , THEIR COURAGE FAILS ... read more
Exhorting for and exhorting , A.V.; through many tribulations we must for we must through much tribulation, A.V. St. Paul spoke from his own experience: "In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft," etc. ( 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 ; see too 2 Timothy 3:10-12 ). It is very touching to see the tender care of the apostles for the young converts, lest they should fall away in time of persecution (see Acts 15:36 ; 1 Thessalonians 'fit. 1,... read more
Spiritual confirmation. "Confirming the souls of the disciples." Connect with the narrative, showing that spiritual aggressiveness at Antioch was the sign of a deep and true spiritual life. The haste and superficiality of the teaching from place to place. Confirmation not a ceremony, but a process. I. CONFIRMATION OF FAITH . Continue in the faith—both objective and subjective; not a creed alone, if that was given at all, but the real root or spiritual life. Faith was... read more
Through tribulation to the kingdom. The force of a man's preaching must, to a great extent, come out of his personal experiences, and new experiences will give his preaching new force. This is illustrated in the associations of our text. The apostle was in measure fitted, by all he had borne and suffered, for exhorting the disciples and comforting and confirming the Churches; but he had just passed through a new and almost overwhelming experience. Excited by Jews from Antioch and Iconium,... read more
And there came thither certain Jews - Not satisfied with having expelled them from Antioch and Iconium, they still pursued them. Persecutors often exhibit a zeal and perseverance in a bad cause which it would be well if Christians evinced in a holy cause. Bad people will often travel further to do evil than good people will to do good; and wicked people often show more zeal in opposing the gospel than professed Christians do in advancing it.Antioch and Iconium - See the notes on Acts 13:14,... read more
Howbeit - Notwithstanding the supposition that he was dead.As the disciples stood round about him - It would seem that they did not suppose I that he was dead; but might be expecting that he would revive.He rose up ... - Most commentators have supposed that this was the effect of a miracle. They have maintained that he could not have risen so soon, and entered into the city, without the interposition of miraculous power (Calvin, Doddridge, Clarke, etc.). But the commentators have asserted what... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:20
But for howbeit, A.V.; entered for came, A.V.; on the morrow for the next day, A.V.; went forth for departed, A.V. It is pleasing to observe the fidelity of the converts, who, in the face of violence and death, clave to the apostle, even when they thought he was dead. It does not appear how Barnabas escaped. read more