Acts 14:23

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 14:23

And when they had ordained them elders in every church ,.... As soon as ever any number of disciples were made, or souls were converted to Christ in any place, they were at once formed, by the apostles, into a church state; and as the gifts, as well as the grace of the Holy Ghost, attended the ministry of the word, so among those that were converted, there were some that were honoured with ministerial gifts, qualifying them to preach the Gospel, and take upon them the care of the churches:... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:23

When they had ordained them elders - Elder seems to be here the name of an office. These were all young or new converts, and yet among them the apostles constitute elders. They appointed persons the most experienced, and the most advanced in the Divine life, to watch over and instruct the rest. But what is the meaning of the word χειροτονησαντες , which we translate ordained? The word ordain we use in an ecclesiastical sense, and signify by it the appointment of a person to an office in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 14:23

Verse 23− 23.When they had ordained elders. By this it appeareth sufficiently, that it is not enough if men have been once taught the doctrine of godliness, and to have [hold] the sum of faith, unless they go forward continually; therefore, Christ did not only send his apostles to preach the gospel, but he commanded also that there should be pastors appointed, that the preaching of the gospel might be perpetual and in daily use. Paul and Barnabas do mark that this order was set down by Christ,... 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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