The big picture
Acts 14 opens in verse 1 with “And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 14 with “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran…”, and closes in verse 28 with “And there they abode long time with the disciples.” Repeated or prominent terms include Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Acts · King James Version · 28Acts 14:1-7
1–7: It came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the…
Acts 14:1–7 opens with “And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and…” and reaches “And there they preached the gospel.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch, with particular weight carried by Jews, both, Gentiles.
Deep dive
The movement opens with “And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews…” By verse 4, the text has turned to “But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the…” It lands on “And there they preached the gospel.” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 1 verse with a speech marker, 2 stated contrasts, 1 verse naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.
The narrator makes meaning through who acts first, who responds, what changes, and which consequences remain. A reported action is not automatically an approved action. Words such as Jews, both, Gentiles, multitude, abode, affected tie the complete block together. The central idea, “Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.
Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Jews, Gentiles, Derbe, Greeks, Iconium, Long. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 4: “But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.
Words to trace: Jews, both, Gentiles, multitude, abode, affected
Verse-by-verse path
- Acts 14:1
“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.
- Acts 14:2
“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.
- Acts 14:3
“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.
- Acts 14:4
“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.
- Acts 14:5
“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.
- Acts 14:6
“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.
- Acts 14:7
“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.
Acts 14:1-7
King James Version1And 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.
Acts 14:8-14
8–14: There sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple…
Acts 14:8–14 opens with “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s…” and reaches “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch, with particular weight carried by Paul, people, Barnabas.
Deep dive
The movement opens with “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his…” By verse 11, the text has turned to “And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the…” It lands on “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in…” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 2 verses with a speech marker. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.
The narrator makes meaning through who acts first, who responds, what changes, and which consequences remain. A reported action is not automatically an approved action. Words such as Paul, people, Barnabas, feet, Jupiter, walked tie the complete block together. The central idea, “Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.
Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Paul, Barnabas, Jupiter, Lycaonia, Lystra, Mercurius. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 13: “Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice…” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.
Words to trace: Paul, people, Barnabas, feet, Jupiter, walked
Verse-by-verse path
- Acts 14:8
“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.
- Acts 14:9
“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.
- Acts 14:10
“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.
- Acts 14:11
“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.
- Acts 14:12
“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.
- Acts 14:13
“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.
- Acts 14:14
“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.
Acts 14:8-14
King James Version8And 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,
Acts 14:15-21
15–21: Saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions…
Acts 14:15–21 opens with “And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach…” and reaches “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch, with particular weight carried by city, Antioch, heaven.
Deep dive
The movement opens with “And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and…” By verse 18, the text has turned to “And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice…” It lands on “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again…” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 1 question, 2 stated contrasts, 1 verse naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.
The narrator makes meaning through who acts first, who responds, what changes, and which consequences remain. A reported action is not automatically an approved action. Words such as city, Antioch, heaven, Iconium, people, Barnabas tie the complete block together. The central idea, “Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.
Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Antioch, Iconium, Barnabas, Derbe, God, Howbeit. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 17: “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling…” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.
Words to trace: city, Antioch, heaven, Iconium, people, Barnabas
Verse-by-verse path
- Acts 14:15
“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.
- Acts 14:16
“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.
- Acts 14:17
“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.
- Acts 14:18
“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.
- Acts 14:19
“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.
- Acts 14:20
“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.
- Acts 14:21
“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.
Acts 14:15-21
King James Version15And 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,
Acts 14:22-28
22–28: Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in…
Acts 14:22–28 opens with “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we…” and reaches “And there they abode long time with the disciples.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch, with particular weight carried by church, disciples, faith.
Deep dive
The movement opens with “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that…” By verse 25, the text has turned to “And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:” It lands on “And there they abode long time with the disciples.” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 4 verses naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.
The narrator makes meaning through who acts first, who responds, what changes, and which consequences remain. A reported action is not automatically an approved action. Words such as church, disciples, faith, abode, Antioch, Attalia tie the complete block together. The central idea, “Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.
Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include God, Antioch, Attalia, Confirming, Gentiles, Lord. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 25: “And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.
Words to trace: church, disciples, faith, abode, Antioch, Attalia
Verse-by-verse path
- Acts 14:22
“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.
- Acts 14:23
“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.
- Acts 14:24
“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.
- Acts 14:25
“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.
- Acts 14:26
“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.
- Acts 14:27
“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.
- Acts 14:28
“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.
Acts 14:22-28
King James Version22Confirming 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.
Resources gathered for this chapter
The story map and deeper reflection are available as distinct resources alongside this teaching plan. Each opens on its own page.
A chapter-specific teaching brief
These anchors come from this chapter itself. They help a teacher use the Level 1 story map, the Level 2 analysis, and the Scripture text as one lesson.
Open with the chapter’s first image
Acts 14:1: “And 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…”
Slow down at the turning point
Acts 14:13: “Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.”
Keep this word trail visible
Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch, Barnabas
Observation and teaching prompt
- Track who acts, who speaks, who is affected, and what changes.
- Notice repeated promises, failures, rescues, and consequences.
- Do not assume the narrator approves every action that is reported.
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.
Learning objectives
- Place Acts 14 within Acts 14 and explain its role in Acts.
- Describe from the text how the passage develops this focus: Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch.
- Distinguish an explicit statement, a Scripture-supported conclusion, and an interpretation.
- Explain how narrative shapes a responsible reading of this unit.
- Compare a related song or video with the passage, then return to the text to test it.
- Form a personal and communal response that does not exceed the evidence of Scripture.
Teacher preparation
- Read Acts 14 twice, then read the material immediately before and after it.
- Review the book movement: Acts 14 (Acts 14).
- Mark speakers, actions, repeated words, commands, contrasts, promises, and consequences.
- Preview each related song or video and note where it condenses, interprets, or dramatizes the text.
- Prepare a participation option that lets learners respond without forced personal disclosure.
Evidence and interpretation checks
Explicit
Record two claims that Acts 14 states directly and cite the verses.
Scripture-supported
Form one conclusion that joins several parts of Acts 14. Show each step.
Strong inference
Identify a conclusion that follows the text closely even though it is not stated in one sentence.
Possible or traditional reading
Where responsible readings differ, present the difference without turning it into certainty.
Limit
Do not use speculation as a teaching conclusion.
Discussion with answer guidance
1. What does Acts 14 state directly about God, people, or the situation?
Show teacher guidance
Begin with the passage’s words and actions. Require an exact verse before accepting a conclusion.
2. How does this focus develop across the passage: Acts 14 develops its own movement around Jews, city, Paul, people, Antioch?
Show teacher guidance
Trace the opening, change, and outcome. Do not rely on one sentence when the unit presents a sequence.
3. Which word, action, contrast, or response repeats, and what work does it do?
Show teacher guidance
Repetition may signal structure or emphasis, but explain its meaning inside the immediate context.
4. How does this unit contribute to the Acts 14 movement?
Show teacher guidance
Compare the unit with what comes before and after it in the same book.
5. What interpretive caution does narrative require here?
Show teacher guidance
Follow the narrator, the choices people make, their consequences, and what God does without assuming every reported action is approved.
6. What faithful response follows for an individual and for a community?
Show teacher guidance
Form a concrete, proportionate response. Do not turn a description into a command without evidence.
Responsible application
Heart and habits
Name one belief, desire, or practice that Acts 14 corrects, strengthens, or redirects.
Relationships and community
Form one action that protects dignity, truth, justice, mercy, or faithfulness in a real relationship.
Worship and prayer
Write a prayer using the vocabulary and concerns of the passage.
Service and witness
Choose one observable response for this week and one person who can support accountability.
Audience adaptations
Children
Use a short reading block, a people-and-actions map, and one concrete response. Explain difficult vocabulary before reading.
Youth
Ask learners to identify pressure, loyalty, power, and consequences. Permit written responses without public disclosure.
Adults
Add literary and historical context, compare responsible readings, and require evidence for each claim.
Intergenerational group
Pair different ages, assign observation before interpretation, and close with a shared prayer.
Online or at home
Send the reference in advance, use media as an observation pause, and gather responses in a shared document.
Complete 75-minute teaching path
A shorter group can omit the extended discussion while preserving the Scripture reading, evidence check, and closing response.
Orient the group
Name the book, Acts 14, genre, and central question. Explain that every conclusion will be checked against the text.
Read the complete unit
Read aloud or silently. Learners mark speakers, repetitions, commands, contrasts, and changes.
Work through the reading blocks
Summarize each block in one sentence and record the verse that supports the summary.
Use a song or video
Play one related resource. Compare its emphasis and omissions with the passage.
Discuss from evidence
Use the questions and require a Scripture reference for every major answer.
Form responsible application
Develop one personal and one communal response. Avoid promises or commands that the text does not establish.
Summarize and pray
Let each learner complete one sentence about the passage. Pray with its vocabulary and concerns.
Song and video learning lab
A song or video may interpret, compress, or dramatize the text. Its value becomes clearer when its choices are compared with Scripture.
- Before the media: the exact passage and its central movement.
- During the media: the words, people, events, and emotions the artist emphasizes.
- After the media: what it clarifies, what it leaves out, and what belongs back in the biblical text.