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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 14:1

And it came to pass in Iconium ,.... When the apostles were got thither, and as soon as they were there; at least the first opportunity they had: that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews ; which was in Iconium; hither Paul and Barnabas went together, in like manner as they had done at Antioch: and so spoke ; such words, and doctrines of grace, with so much power, authority, and demonstration of the Spirit, with so much plainness, clearness, and evidence, as well as... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:1

In Iconium - See the conclusion of the preceding chapter. So spake - Και λαλησαι οὑτως . With such power and demonstration of the Spirit, that a great multitude both of the Jews, genuine descendants of one or other of the twelve tribes, and also of the Greeks, Ἑλληνων , probably such as were proselytes of the gate, believed, received the Christian religion as a revelation from God, and confided in its Author for salvation, according to the apostles' preaching. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:1

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:1

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

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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