Acts 14: The Synagogue at Iconium
1 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
Filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:51), they entered the synagogue, and so spoke that a great multitude believed "the doctrines they preached, and in Christ the sum and substance of them; and these were not a few, but a great multitude; and not of one sort, of the Jews only, who expected the Messiah, but of the Greeks, or Gentiles also..." (Gill) “But when great numbers embrace the gospel, those who continue to reject it are often filled with wrath against those who preach it. The community is divided. A part join the friends, and a part the enemies of Christ, and great commotions follow. These results wicked men attribute to the gospel; but they spring from opposition to it and the opposers, not the faithful preachers of the gospel, are responsible for the evils thus occasioned." (Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament)
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking BOLDLY in the Lord.... They stayed ”there with great freedom and plainness of speech asserted truth, condemned error, reproved sin, and denounced judgments against impenitent sinners; "(Jamieson, Faussett, Brown). They spoke IN THE LORD (JESUS); and thus, He “’bore witness to the word of His grace' as He always does, 'granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands’…” (Robertson), as a sign of His approval of His servants’ words.
But the multitude of the city was divided. "If some Jews and Gentiles were united in faith, others were united in opposition." (John R. W. Stott)
"Notice how the gospel message makes a clear division between believers and unbelievers and that a person cannot remain neutral concerning its truths. Compare with Matthew 10:34... The rest of the verse reveals that the unbelieving Jews did their best to stir up trouble and engaged in an unscrupulous slander campaign against the brethren." (Mark Dunagan)
It amazes me that in the theology of many— yea the mainstream it seems— unbelieving Jews are our brothers in Messiah, though they do not know him as such yet. They contend that upon the resurrection they will learn of Him... and be converted. Yet the Scriptures testify that you only have this life to take a side. And here we find Jews and Greek on both sides of the conflict of ages. The only litmus test is Jesus Christ. One side believes in Him and the other doesn't. Choose wisely, my friends.
And remember the Words of Jesus: "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." (Matt 12:30)
Acts 14: The Little Band Threatened at Iconium
5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there.
This band of missionaries had a charge to keep. They tarried as long as the cloud of the Spirit tarried. But when a violent attempt [rush] was made by the opposition to abuse and stone them, they left. "Greek: a 'rush'... denotes 'an impetuous excitement and aggression; a rush to put them to death.' It rather describes a popular tumult than a calm and deliberate purpose…” (Albert Barnes) or attempt at righteous judgement.
“As long as it was only opposition, it was but a motive for perseverance; but, being warned in time of an assault that was planned against them, they depart …” (John Darby) Here an attempt was made to abuse or stone them; “thus they that were called to the marriage of the king’s son, Matthew 22:6, entreated the servants despitefully.” (Matthew Poole), even to the point of murder. But by operation of the Spirit, they were made aware of it, and “considered it in their minds, and what was best to be done at this juncture: and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia; according to the orders and command of Christ, Matthew 10:23 not so much to save their lives, as to spread the Gospel in other parts." (John Gill)
“This storm, it appears, fell on the tender lambs, as well as on the shepherds...” (Sutcliffe), even as it had on the Shepherd of the flock. Explicitly Jesus had commanded them: "But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes." They moved on knowing that there "should not be time for the disciples to travel over the cities of Judea before the destruction predicted by Christ should take place..." (Adam Clarke on Matthew 10:23), till the Son of man be come for judgment on the inhabitants of Judah, even on Jerusalem and it’s temple.
“When their lives were threatened by the unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, they fled to Lystra and Derbe…” (Arno Gaebelein)— “cities of Lycaonia, a province of Asia Minor.” (Justin Edwards)
It was not a matter of courage, for they would not quit sharing the Word. “Nothing could silence them.” (Mark Dunagan)
Jesus had ”made them, not as butts, to be perpetually shot at; but as the marks of rovers, movable, as the wind and sun may best serve." (Trapp)
The first followers of Christ- loved by their hearers but hated by the world. Their souls were "wide as the world, and nothing but human frailty could prescribe their bounds. Honoured by their hearers as the first of prophets, condemned by the wicked as the worst of men; all but worshipped today, and stoned tomorrow. Assuredly, all the antitheses to the Corinthians were realized in their lives. They proved themselves to be the ministers of Christ, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true, as chastened and not killed, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:8-10.” (Joseph Sutcliffe)
Acts 14: Paul Preaching at Lystra
8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.
And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting... The word sitting, "according to the Greek imperfect, implies continual, perhaps repeatedly habitual, action..." (Whedon Commentary)- not by choice.
"Such defects as are from nature, are incurable by art, and only to be helped immediately by the God of nature...." (Matthew Poole)- the Creator.
9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.
Jesus had said, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17-18) His ministry was a fulfillment of Isaiah 35, even those miracles done by the apostles and other disciples in Jesus' name. Yet healing is not just a matter of faith or the lack thereof. It is not always the Father’s will to heal physically, though it is spiritually. Yet neither can be wrought without faith. We must have faith to have all that Jesus has for us. But we must have the spirit of Daniel: My God can heal me, but even if He doesn't,
yet I will serve Him.
Peter and John also began ministry with the healing of a man who had been cripple from birth. (Acts 3:1-11) That miracle was wrought by them as they entered into the temple – at Solomon's porch, but in Lystra and Derbe, they were among pagans in the world. Yet they had been preaching the Word. Thus even though a pagan worshipper, this man, though once a fool, did not go astray by traveling on the Highway of Holiness (Isa 35:9).
He had faith to be healed. He felt the power of Christ "in his soul; and thence knew it was sufficient to heal his body also." (John Wesley)
"How did this faith come to this poor heathen? Why, by hearing the word of God preached: for it is said, the same heard Paul speak. And it appears that he credited the doctrine he heard, and believed that Jesus could, if he would, make him whole. Besides, he must have heard of the miracles which the apostles had wrought, see Acts 14:3; and this would raise his expectation of receiving a cure." (Adam Clarke)
How was Paul so bold as to know that this man had sufficient faith and thus loudly command him to stand? "Now I know from my own experience that it is no uncommon thing for someone to arrest the preacher’s attention. The group of countenances before him might to the first glance of a stranger look confused and inexplicable, as a Chinese grammar to those who know not the language. But a practised eye can learn to read the one as well as the other. The languor and indifference of some; the curious inquiring look of others; the cold, critical attention of more, form a picture which often reacts upon us, and kindles a desire to reach those who, for a brief hour, hang upon our lips. But there will sometimes be one who has faith dazzling in his very eyes, seeming to drink in every syllable, till the preacher becomes as absorbed in that man as the man had been in the preacher. And while he pursues the discourse, he perceives that at last this man has heard the very truth which meets his case. Preacher and hearer, unknown to all the rest of the audience, have secretly saluted each other, and met on the common ground of a vital faith." (C. H. Spurgeon)
With a loud voice, he said, “STAND UP STRAIGHT ON YOUR FEET!”
"Paul did not, like Peter, use the name of Jesus; because, unlike Peter, he had doubtless already in his preaching fully declared that any miracle he might work was wrought by Jesus’ power." (Whedon's Commentary) "And to that clarion call all the energies of the lame man’s being responded. The sense of impotence gave place to a sense of power."(M. C. Hazard) "And," not only that, "he leaped and walked." Praise Jesus! --but not so!
They attributed it to other gods!
Acts 14: Response to Healing in Lystra
11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.
We hear of no Jewish temple, nor synagogue, in Lystra; but we do hear of the great temple to Zeus (Jupiter). A lame man was completely healed by the Word of Jesus' power through His apostles. Yet the people “raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language;” "the language of that province." (Justin Edwards) They said: ”The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes— associated with Jupiter and Mercury.
”They called Barnabas, Jupiter. Jupiter was the guardian god of the Romans, always pictured as tall and dignified; and Paul, a little energetic man, they called Mercurius. Mercury was always represented as quick and active; the wings on his shoes denote haste in carrying messages. And so the people were going to worship them." (H. A. Ironside) "Mere excitement [without knowledge] carries men to foolish lengths." (L. M. Grant)
Some do not stop the admiration. “Seeking honor from men and having delight in the applause of the ‘religious world’ is a deadly thing, for it dishonors Christ, to whom all honor and glory is due. And how much of all this there is in the present day! It is but the result of not giving the Lord Jesus Christ the preeminence.” (Arno Gaebelein)
According to the Greek mythology, years earlier, these gods "came to the city of Lystra incognito. But nobody recognized them and the people treated them rather shabbily. But there was one couple who took them in and treated them nice. And so for a reward, Zeus made them the perpetual keepers of the temple of Zeus there in Lystra. For he turned them into two trees that stood at the front of the temple. And thus, they were the perpetual guards of the temple of Zeus." (Chuck Smith)
So: ”When, then, the people saw the miracle, and heard the words of Paul and Barnabas, they thought that the gods of their old legend had again come down to them." (W. Denton, M. A.)
So here we compare Judaism of that day to Greek mythology / religion. Both religions remain today which deny the Person of Christ. And both are false. "For both Jew and Gentile were in darkness, and would be until the light shone in their hearts. Neither Temple could offer salvation. And while the Jews were unreceptive and would not accept any truth, because they were too set in their own ways, the Gentiles were too receptive, and would accept anything, anything that is but the truth." (Peter Pett)
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.
14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.
"The rending of the garments was a traditional reaction to blasphemy; and the offering of sacrifice to mortal men was thus interpreted by Paul and Barnabas. Being unable to get attention otherwise, they frustrated the plan by running among the people and crying out as in the next verse." (Coffman Commentary) Just as they had been rushed by the violent crowd of mixed Jewish and Greek nonbelievers earlier to their desired death: "The Apostles were within: on being told, they ἐξεπήδησαν—rushed forth, into the crowd..." (Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary)...to the desired eternal rescue of the crowd.
And saying, "Men, why do ye these things?", "that is, bring these oxen and garlands, and attempt to offer sacrifice; this they said, not as arguing with them calmly and mildly, but with a mixture of indignation, heat, and zeal, as displeased with, and detesting and abhorring what they were about to do: 'We also are men of like passions with you;' men, and not gods; [we are] of the same human nature, and that as corrupted, alike sinful men, and need a sacrifice better than these; [we are] frail mortal men, subject to frailty, imperfection, afflictions, troubles, diseases, and death itself; and so very improper objects of worship." (John Gill's Exposition)
"As a matter of striking interest they remind these people that God had for ages borne with all nations (Gentile nations), allowing them to walk in their own ways. Of course He had been dealing with Israel specifically for centuries, as Amos 3:2 declares, 'You only have I known of all the families of the earth.' Yet through ages past God had given witness to His own grace and faithfulness by His providential care of all nations, giving them rain from heaven and fruitful seasons of blessing, supplying material needs and giving occasion for gladness." (L. M. Grant)
They should give Jesus first and only place, turning from these idle tales, which are but vanities, to the Author and Finisher of the faith, "who has life in Himself, and is the Fountain of life to others..." (Gill) He is the One responsible for healing the lame man. In fact, Jesus not only created all things but He sustains it by the word of His power, giving rain to water the earth, as well as spiritual food to to sustain His people, Israel.
Paul said it this way to the Church of believers with Hebrew mindsets: “God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:1-4)
All those with ears, let them hear what the Spirit say to the Churches.
"Man’s nature is marvellously prone to idolatry, and the devil helps after; for he is ειδωλοχαρης, saith Synesius; for he knows that creature worship is devil worship, Psalms 106:37; Revelation 9:20." (John Trapp) Thus, the man who was healed is the only convert that we explicitly learn of here. However, verses 21-22, imply "that some disciples were there on Paul's return later." (Grant) "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." (1 Cor 3:7)
Acts 14: The Stoning of Paul
19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged himout of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
"Not satisfied with running Paul out of Iconium, unbelieving Jews travel 100 miles in order to continue their opposition." (Mark Dunagan) Going into this area made the Jews unclean, but hatred of Christ compelled them. "They convinced the fickle residents of Lystra that the missionaries were deceivers rather than gods and deserved to die. 'Disillusioned fanatics are easily led off into contradictory actions.' [Note: Kent, p117.]" (Dr. Thomas Constable)
"A few days or weeks before they were ready to worship them; now they give permission to let them be stoned. In the closing days of Jesus' earthly ministry when shouts of 'Hosanna!' Quickly changed to 'Crucify!'" (Reese, Page 513) "They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city'- This is a mob action, and his body was dragged outside to the city, like the body of a dead beast, left to any fate that might await.." (Mark Dunagan Commentary)
Some believe that Paul actually died and that he was resurrected from the dead, but the Scriptures do not allow this. We do know that the Jews only stopped because they thought that he was dead... and we know that the Lord rescued him out of it. (2 Timothy 3:11). It was something that Paul gladly suffered for Christ's sake, Christ's love compelling him.
What gave him the power to get up seemed to be the gathering of the disciples around him. Let us so gather around our persecuted brethren.
"The outstanding feature of this story is the sheer courage of Paul. When he came to his senses, his first act was to go right back into the city where he had been stoned. It was John Wesley's advice, 'Always look a mob in the face.' There could be no braver thing than Paul's going straight back amongst those who had tried to murder him. A deed like that would have more effect than a hundred sermons. Men were bound to ask themselves where a man got the courage to act in such a way." (William Barclay)
Acts 14: Continuing in the Faith
20b And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.
27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
"Paul and Barnabas next moved about 60 miles farther to the southeast to Derbe (meaning juniper, modern Kerti Hyk) on the eastern border of the Galatian province." (Dr. Thomas Constable)
And they preached the gospel to that city also and "made many disciples by teaching, and also by baptizing of them, Matthew 28:19. For as by circumcision they were made Moses’s disciples, so by baptism they are made Christ’s disciples." (Matthew Poole)
Then they made a return circuit to all of the places they had been to confirm the souls of the disciples. "Their goal was to encourage the brethren to continue in the faith. Christians need encouragement because they face difficulties in order to enter the kingdom." (Charles Box) These meetings "were entirely on the sanctification line, making no converts..." (William Godbey), but rather encouraging them to persevere to the end.
"Confirming the souls; instructing and establishing them in the faith and practice of the gospel." (Justin Edwards)
"It is not enough to sow the seed of the word, but it must be watered also, frequent endeavours must be used that it may be fruitful." (Matthew Poole)
We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. “If there be any way on horseback to heaven, surely this is the way, said another martyr (Bradford.) If any think to go to heaven without tribulation, he must (as the emperor Constantine told the heretic Acesias)... erect a ladder, and go up alone. Some there are that take up a delicate profession; they would divide between Christ and his cross, but they are fairly mistaken. Some think to go to heaven in a whirlwind, or as the passengers at sea, be brought to the haven sleeping. But what saith Zanchy,...If the head were crowned with thorns, the members must not dream of a delicacy. The stones were not set into Solomon’s temple till hewn, neither is the corn brought into the garner till winnowed." (John Trapp)
AND: "The apostles (1) ordained elders in every church, (2) prayed, (3) fasted, and (4) commended the brethren to the Lord. (Acts 14:23)... " (Charles Box)
"Ordained them elders; set apart persons to take the care, oversight, and instruction of the churches. Churches need officers to take the oversight of them, to instruct them, and labor for their spiritual good; and it is proper that they should be set apart to this work, that the influences of the Holy Spirit should be sought for them, and they be particularly commended to his gracious guidance and care." (Justin Edwards)
"The shepherds must not be idle, while the wolves prowl at night." (Joseph Sutcliffe)
Upon their return to the Syrian Antioch – the home church- they convened the members. And "they are received with delight by all the saints, who are spellbound and electrified by their rehearsals of the mighty works of God through their humble instrumentality in the various heathen lands of their long and perilous peregrinations." (William Godbey)