Acts 14:22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 14:19-28

We have here a further account of the services and sufferings of Paul and Barnabas. I. How Paul was stoned and left for dead, but miraculously came to himself again, Acts 14:19, 20. They fell upon Paul rather than Barnabas, because Paul, being the chief speaker, galled and vexed them more than Barnabas did. Now observe here, 1. How the people were incensed against Paul; not by any injury they pretended he had done them (if they took it for an affront that he would not let them misplace divine... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 14:21-28

14:21-28 When they had preached the good news to that city and had made a considerable number of disciples they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. As they went they strengthened the souls of the disciples and urged them to abide in the faith, saying, "It is through many an affliction that we must enter into the kingdom of God." In each church they chose elders, and, when they had prayed with fasting, they offered them to the Lord in whom they had believed. When they had gone... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples ,.... Not wicked men in their wickedness, nor self-righteous persons in an opinion of their own righteousness, as sufficient for justification, both being contrary to the nature and tendency of the ministry of the word; the Gospel being a doctrine according to godliness, and a revelation of the righteousness of Christ; but the disciples and followers of Jesus, whom they had already made in those places, these they confirmed in the doctrines of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples - The word disciple signifies literally a scholar. The Church of Christ was a school, in which Christ himself was chief Master; and his apostles subordinate teachers. All the converts were disciples or scholars, who came to this school to be instructed in the knowledge of themselves and of their God: of their duty to Him, to the Church, to society, and to themselves. After having been initiated in the principles of the heavenly doctrine, they needed line... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:22

Verse 22− 22.And exhorting them. This was the principal way to confirm, in that they provoke the disciples who had before embraced the Gospel and did profess it, to go forward by exhorting them; for we are far from being so ready and stout − (45) as we ought. Therefore our laziness needeth pricks, and our coldness must be warmed. But because God will have his exercised with diverse combats, Paul and Barnabas admonish the disciples to be ready to suffer tribulation. A very necessary admonition,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:1-28

The Word and the miracle. In the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth, whether by our Lord himself in the days of his flesh, or by the apostles after his ascension, two great instruments were in constant and simultaneous use—the preaching of the Word of God and the working of miracles. In the Gospels it is difficult to say which was the most prominent feature of our Lord's life—his preaching the Word or his mighty works of power. He himself places them side by side in his description... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:19-28

Dangers and successes. The unstable multitude open to rapid changes of feeling. " Hosanna! " to day; "Crucify him!" to-morrow. Paul's miraculous escape a great help to the faith of disciples. Possibly his suffering a reason for speedy return to Antioch. I. THE EXPERIENCE OF THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY A PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE . 1. The necessity of patience. 2. The importance of making the work thorough and confirming the weak. 3. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:21-23

The Christian leader and the novitiate. Driven from Lystra by the turbulence of the people, Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe, and there they "preached the gospel;" they seem to have been unmolested, and consequently they "taught many people" ( Acts 14:21 ). Having traveled so far eastward towards Antioch, it became a question whether they should go on or return. Thus we come, as they came, to consider— I. THE FUNCTION OF THE CHRISTIAN LEADER in relation to the Christian... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:21-28

Return to Antioch: a picture of apostolic activity. The scene quickly changed at Lystra. The multitude, wrought upon by Jews from Antioch and Iconium, rise up against Paul, and stone their late hero and god. Fickle world, which now brings garlands and now stones! "Every generation stones by-and-by its own gods, but every time has its own method of stoning." The boldest antagonists of the kingdom of darkness arouse most foes; Paul is stoned, not Barnabas. Perhaps his own act comes back upon... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 14:21-28

The return home. The furthest limit of the mission of Paul and Barnabas is not reached till their visit is paid to Derbe. After the recovery by miracle of Paul from his stoning, the next day he advances with Barnabas to Derbe. And after some time spent there and much work done, of which no details are given, the two apostles set their face homeward. And it is evident that the Spirit still leads them. For— I. WITH THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THE GROUND , THEIR COURAGE FAILS ... read more

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