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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act_14:1-7
1In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. 2But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. 3Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. 4But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, 6they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; 7and there they continued to preach the gospel.
Act_14:1 "Iconium" There is a second century non-canonical book known as The Acts of Paul and Thekla, which is reported to be Paul's activities in Iconium. This book possibly contains the only physical descriptions of Paul ever recorded: short, bald, bowlegged, heavy eyebrows, and protruding eyes. It is quite uninspired and yet reflects the impact that the Apostle Paul had in this region of Asia Minor. Most of this area was in the Roman Province of Galatia.
▣ "entered the synagogue" This was Paul and Barnabas' regular pattern. These hearers, both Jews and Greeks, would be familiar with the OT prophecies and promises.
▣ "a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks" This phrase shows the purpose of Acts. The gospel is spreading vigorously among various people groups. The implications of the OT promises to all humanity (cf. Gen_3:15; Gen_12:3) are now being realized.
These summary statements relating to the rapid growth of the church are characteristic of Luke's writings.
Act_14:2 "the Jews who disbelieved" Salvation is characterized by "believed" (cf. Act_14:1), spiritual blindness and recalcitrance is characterized by "disobedience" or "disbelief." The refusal to respond to the gospel dooms one to blindness and lostness!
Luke documents the virulent antagonism of Jewish unbelief and active persecution. It is their rejection that opens the door of faith to the Gentiles (cf. Romans 9-11).
▣ "stirred up" This is a common Septuagint verb for rebellion (cf. 1Sa_3:12; 1Sa_22:8; 2Sa_18:31; 2Sa_22:49; 1Ch_5:26), but it is used in the NT only in Act_13:50 and here.
▣ "embittered" This is another common term in the Septuagint to describe evil, oppressive people who mistreat others. Luke uses this term often in Acts (cf. Act_7:6; Act_7:19; Act_12:1; Act_14:2; Act_18:10).
Act_14:3 God used the miraculous to confirm His gracious character and the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this new area (cf. Act_4:29-30; Heb_2:4).
Act_14:4 "But the people of the city were divided" The word of truth always divides (cf. Act_17:4-5; Act_19:9; Act_28:24; Mat_10:34-36). Some of the Jews in the Synagogue believed, but others became militant against the gospel.
▣ "with the apostles" This refers to both Paul and Barnabas. In this chapter (i.e., Act_14:4; Act_14:14) is the only time Luke uses this term to refer to anyone except the original Twelve. Barnabas is called an apostle (cf. Act_14:14). This is also implied in 1Co_9:5-6. This is obviously a wider use of the term "apostle" than the Twelve. James the Just (half brother of Jesus) is called an apostle in Gal_1:19; Silvanus and Timothy were called apostles in 1Th_1:1 combined with Act_2:6; Andronicus and Junius (Junia in KJV), are called apostles in Rom_16:6-7; and Apollos is called an apostle in 1Co_4:6-9.
The twelve Apostles were unique. When they died no one replaced them (except Matthias for Judas, cf. Acts 1). However there is an ongoing gift of apostleship mentioned in 1Co_12:28 and Eph_4:11. The NT does not provide enough information to describe the functions of this gift. See Special Topic: Send (Apostellô) following.
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Act_14:5 "with their rulers" This could refer to the leaders of the city or the leaders of the synagogue. Some early scribes and modern commentators assert two persecutions, (1) Act_14:2 and (2) Act_14:5, but the context implies just one.
NASB, NRSV,
TEV "mistreat"
NKJV "abuse"
NJB "make attacks"
The Greek term hubrizô is more intense than "mistreat," possibly "to run riot," or "to commit violent acts." It is very common in the Septuagint. Luke uses this term often in three senses.
1. insult, Luk_11:45
2. violent act, Luk_18:32; Act_14:5
3. loss of physical property, Act_27:10; Act_27:21
▣ "stone" This second descriptive term shows just how violently the opposition planned to attack the believers. Probably the Jewish element chose this specific means because of its OT connection to blasphemy (i.e., Lev_24:16; Joh_8:59; Joh_10:31-33).
Act_14:6 "and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe" Iconium was in Phyrgia. It was close to the boundary of a racially distinct group. This detail shows the historicity of the book of Acts.
Act_14:7 The verb is a periphrastic perfect middle, meaning that they preached again and again. This is the theme of Paul's missionary journeys (cf. Act_14:21; Act_16:10). Those who trusted Christ under his preaching also sensed the urgency and mandate to present the gospel to others. This was/is the priority (cf. Mat_28:19-20; Luk_24:47; Act_1:8)!