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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 14:1-7

In these verses we have, I. The preaching of the gospel in Iconium, whither the apostles were forced to retire from Antioch. As the blood of the martyrs has been the seed of the church, so the banishment of the confessors has helped to scatter that seed. Observe, 1. How they made the first offer of the gospel to the Jews in their synagogues; thither they went, not only as to a place of meeting, but as to a place of meeting with them, to whom, wherever they came, they were to apply themselves... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 14:1-7

14:1-7 It happened in Iconium that they went in the same way into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke to such effect that a great crowd of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the Jews who did not believe inflamed the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren. So then, they spent some considerable time boldly speaking in the name of the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace by causing signs and wonders to happen through their hands. The population of the city was torn in two.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 14:6

They were ware of it ,.... They understood it, were apprised of it, and well weighed it, and considered it in their minds, and what was best to be done at this juncture: and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia ; according to the orders and command of Christ, Matthew 10:23 not so much to save their lives, as to spread the Gospel in other parts. Lycaonia was a province in the lesser Asia, near Phrygia, separated from it by the mountains; on the east it bordered on Galatia, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 14:7

And there they preached the Gospel. They did not sit still, nor hide themselves in these places; but, as in others, they preached the Gospel, the good news and glad tidings of the incarnation of Christ, of redemption, peace, and pardon, through his blood, justification by his righteousness, and spiritual and eternal salvation through him: in Beza's most ancient copy, and in one of Stephens's, these words are added, and which Bede also says were in the Greek copies in his time, "and the whole... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:6

They were ware of it - They were informed of the scheme, and of the attempt that was about to be made, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe; they did not leave the province of Lycaonia, but went to other towns and cities. Lystra lay to the south and Derbe to the north of Iconium, according to the general opinion. Strabo, Geogr. lib. xii., tells us expressly, that Iconium was within Lycaonia, Thence are the Lycaonian hills plain, cold, naked, and pastures for wild asses. About these places stands... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:7

And there they preached the Gospel - Wherever they went, they were always employed in their Master's work. Some MSS. of considerable note add here, and all the people were moved at their preaching, but Paul and Barnabas tarried at Lystra. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:1-7

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:1-7

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:1-7

Faithful service: Iconium. I. The MAGNANIMITY of the preachers; though badly used by the Jews of Antioch, they still return good for evil. II. THE FIRST SUCCESS OF THE WORD , when there was no decided attempt to thwart it, a powerful testimony to its adaptation both to Jews and Gentiles. III. THE TENACITY AND ENDURANCE of the representatives of truth must be set over against the fickleness of their hearers and the obstinacy and envy of evil-minded men. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:1-7

The calm force of the gospel amid many distractions of men. This portion of the history names Paul and Barnabas to us for the first time as apostles ( Acts 14:4 ). It is noticeable also as substituting the expression, "preaching the gospel," for speaking "the Word of God" ( Acts 14:7 ). But it is remarkable much more as giving us such a distinct impression of the way in which the new truth, "the gospel," bore itself amid many a variety of opposition and unexpected combinations of... read more

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