Acts 14

“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a…” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.

“But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.” Naming Gentiles and Jews keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and…” Naming Long keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.” Naming Jews keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them…” Naming Gentiles and Jews keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:” Naming Derbe and Lycaonia keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And there they preached the gospel.” The line’s distinctive content terms include gospel, preached. Its relationship to verses 6 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had…” Naming Lystra keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,” Naming Paul keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.” Naming Said and Stand keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods…” Naming Lycaonia and Paul keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.” Naming Barnabas and Jupiter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done…” Naming Jupiter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying…” Naming Barnabas and Paul keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.” The line’s distinctive content terms include nations, past, suffered. Its relationship to verses 15 and 17 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful…” Naming Nevertheless keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.” The line’s distinctive content terms include people, restrained, sacrifice. Its relationship to verses 17 and 19 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew…” Naming Antioch and Iconium keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with…” Naming Barnabas and Derbe keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to…” Naming Antioch and Iconium keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord…” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.” Naming Pamphylia and Pisidia keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:” Naming Attalia and Perga keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they…” Naming Antioch keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how…” Naming Gentiles keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And there they abode long time with the disciples.” The line’s distinctive content terms include abode, disciples, long. Its relationship to verses 27 shows what work it does in this passage.