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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 14:3

Long time therefore abode they ,.... At Iconium, undaunted and not discouraged, at the treatment they met with: but continued, speaking boldly in the Lord ; using great freedom of speech, and showing great courage and intrepidity of mind; speaking out, without fear, the doctrines of the Gospel, in the name of the Lord, and depending upon strength, assistance, and support, from him: which gave testimony unto the word of his grace ; the Gospel, so called, because it is a publication of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 14:4

But the multitude of the city was divided ,.... In their sentiments, about the apostles, their doctrines, and miracles; some approving them, others condemning their doctrines as false, and their miracles as delusions: and part held with the Jews ; that did not believe, but rejected the apostles, despised their doctrines, and disparaged their miracles: and part with the apostles ; these were the Jews and Greeks, that believed; which divisions in families, towns, and cities, though the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:3

Long time therefore abode they - Because they had great success, therefore they continued a long time, gaining many converts, and building up those who had believed, in their most holy faith; notwithstanding the opposition they met with, both from the unbelieving Jews and heathens. Speaking boldly - Παρῥησιαζομενοι , Having great liberty of speech, a copious and commanding eloquence, springing from a consciousness of the truth which they preached. The word of his grace - The... read more

Adam Clarke

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:3

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:4

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

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

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