Acts 14:1-7

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:2

Stirred up the Gentiles - Των εθνων , Such as were mere heathens, and thus distinguished from the Jews, and the Greeks who were proselytes. Evil affected - Εκακωσαν , Irritated or exasperated their minds against the brethren, the disciples of Christ; one of their appellations before they were called Christians at Antioch. See on Acts 11:26 ; (note). 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:5

An assault made - Ὁρμη , A desperate attempt was made by their rulers, i.e. by the heathen rulers of the people, and the rulers of the synagogue. To use them despitefully - To expose them, bring them into contempt, and make them appear as monsters, or movers of sedition; and then to stone them for this falsely alleged crime. 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

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:2

Verse 2− 2.And those Jews which believed not Lo, they are persecuted now afresh, and that by the Jews, for they were like firebrands to inflame the minds of the Gentiles; for it is to be thought that the Gentiles could abide to hear the gospel preached, unless they had been incensed to resist by these fans. − (5) I interpret κακωσαι in this place for to resist − (6) with a malicious affection, or to enforce to do hurt. Under the name brethren, Luke comprehendeth, in my judgment, all the godly;... 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

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