ActsStudy Guide

Chapter 14

Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.

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Scripture

KJV

1And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

6They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

7And there they preached the gospel.

8And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:

9The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

11And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

13Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

14Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

15And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

20Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Key VerseActs 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Overview

Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, facing both enthusiastic reception and violent opposition at every turn. At Lystra, after healing a crippled man, the crowds attempt to worship them as gods, which Paul and Barnabas urgently reject, directing the people to the living God who made heaven and earth. Despite being stoned and left for dead, Paul rises and continues the journey, strengthening the disciples and appointing elders in every church.

Key Themes

1

Perseverance Through Persecution

Paul and Barnabas endure stoning, threats, and expulsion yet continue preaching with unbroken resolve, embodying the truth that the gospel advances through suffering.

2

Rejecting False Worship

When the crowds try to worship them as Hermes and Zeus, Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes and redirect all glory to the living God, refusing to accept honor that belongs to God alone.

3

Strengthening New Churches

The missionaries return through cities where they had been persecuted to confirm the souls of the disciples and appoint elders, prioritizing the long-term health of new believers.

Study Questions

1.

How does the response of Paul and Barnabas to being worshipped at Lystra reveal their understanding of the purpose of ministry?

2.

What does Paul's teaching that 'we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God' (v. 22) mean for believers today?

3.

Why did Paul and Barnabas risk returning to cities where they had been persecuted in order to strengthen the churches?

4.

How does the appointment of elders in every church demonstrate the importance of leadership and order in new congregations?

5.

What can we learn from the fact that Paul, after being stoned and left for dead, got up and continued the mission?

Connection to Christ

Paul and Barnabas suffer for the sake of Christ and point all people to the living God who sent His Son. Paul's stoning and rising at Lystra mirrors the pattern of Christ's own death and resurrection, and his message that tribulation precedes the kingdom echoes Jesus' teaching that the servant is not above his master.

Personal Reflection

Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Acts 14. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?

Acts

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