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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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 14:2

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles ,.... That part of the Jews, which continued in unbelief, and rejected the doctrine of the apostles, concerning Jesus of Nazareth being the Messiah; these stirred up the Gentiles, who had no knowledge of, nor faith in this matter: and made their minds evil affected against the brethren ; either in general against all those that embraced the Gospel of Christ; who being of the same faith and family, having the same God to be their Father,... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 14:5

And when there was an assault made ,.... Or a strong bias and inclination were in the minds, both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews, with their rulers ; who encouraged them in it: to use them despitefully, and to stone them ; not only to give them reproachful language, but to smite, buffet, and scourge them, and to stone them for blasphemy, which was a punishment among the Jews for such causes. 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 14:1

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

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