Level 1
Faith and Flight
Great Commission Presses On Through Peril
(Believers)
In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas boldly enter the synagogue, speaking so effectively that many Jews and Greeks believe. But unbelieving Jews poison minds against them, stirring division. Despite this, the apostles persist for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirms the message with signs and wonders (Acts 14:1-7). When a plot to mistreat and stone them emerges, they flee to Lystra and Derbe, continuing to preach the good news. This episode showcases The Great Commission thriving amid Christianity Accepted and Opposed, turning opposition into expansion. Relate it: Ever faced backlash for sharing faith? Like them, keep going—God confirms His word. Act today—speak boldly to a friend; if resisted, move to open hearts. Your persistence spreads hope!
The Gospel Advances Amidst
Growing Hostility and Strategic Movement
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 14:1-7 details the continued ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium during their first missionary journey. Their powerful Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel in the synagogue leads to a large number of both Jews and Greeks believing, signifying the ongoing success of The Great Commission. However, unbelieving Jews quickly stir up the Gentiles, poisoning their minds and creating a deep division in the city. Paul and Barnabas, confirmed by The Holy Spirit's Role through signs and wonders, spend a considerable time speaking boldly despite the rising tension. When a plot to stone them emerges, they learn of it and strategically flee to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, demonstrating how Christianity Accepted and Opposed paradoxically fuels the Gospel's geographical spread.
Level 2
Division and Determination
Opposition Fuels Great Commission's Spread
(Believers)
Arriving in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas follow pattern—entering the Jewish synagogue to proclaim the gospel. At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed (Acts 14:1). Initial success swells believers from both groups, illustrating The Great Commission's inclusive reach.
But resistance mounts: But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers (verse 2). Christianity Accepted and Opposed divides the city—some side with Jews, others with apostles (verse 4). Undaunted, So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders (verse 3). God's confirmation through miracles bolsters their Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel, echoing Jesus' promise (Mark 16:20).
Tension escalates: There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them (verse 5). Alerted, they flee to Lystra, Derbe, and surrounding country, Where they continued to preach the gospel (verses 6-7). Persecution doesn't silence; it scatters seed further, Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT like Philippians 1:12, where chains advance the gospel.
Storytelling inspires: Imagine the whispers turning to threats, apostles slipping away under cover, yet hearts ablaze to preach anew. Relatable: Opposition hurts, but often redirects to fertile ground—like job loss leading to new ministry.
Actionable: First, speak effectively—prepare messages that connect history to hope. Second, persist boldly: When opposed, lean on God's confirmation through The Holy Spirit's Role. Third, discern timing: Flee danger wisely, not fearfully. Fourth, turn setbacks to steps: Use resistance to expand reach. This Iconium stint grew the mission; your trials can too. Spot division today? Proclaim anyway—advance the Commission!
Level 2: Expanded Insights
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 14:1-7 chronicles the ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, a significant city in Asia Minor, vividly illustrating the recurring pattern of widespread acceptance followed by fierce Christianity Accepted and Opposed that characterizes The Great Commission. This passage highlights the apostles' bold proclamation, the resulting division, and their Spirit-led strategic retreat in the face of escalating threats.
The narrative opens with their arrival in Iconium, inland from Pisidian Antioch: "In Iconium they entered the Jewish synagogue together, and spoke in such a way that a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed." Paul and Barnabas maintain their consistent missionary strategy of initiating Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel in the synagogue, addressing both Jews and God-fearing Greeks. Their method of speaking (lalein houtōs) is so powerful and convincing, empowered by The Holy Spirit's Role, that it results in numerous conversions from both ethnic groups. This significant numerical increase underscores the ongoing success of The Great Commission in new urban centers.
However, this success immediately triggers intense Christianity Accepted and Opposed: "But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren." These unbelieving Jews, having rejected the Gospel themselves, actively incite the Gentile population, poisoning their minds against the Christian message and community. This tactic of stirring up external opposition is a common characteristic of the persecution faced by the early church. The phrase "embittered them against the brethren" (ekakōsan tas psychas) signifies a deliberate effort to create deep-seated resentment and hostility.
Despite this growing antagonism, Paul and Barnabas do not immediately flee. Instead, they demonstrate remarkable boldness and spiritual resilience: "So they spent a long time there speaking boldly for the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be done through their hands." Their decision to spend a "long time" (hikanon chronon) speaking boldly amidst rising opposition highlights their courage and unwavering commitment to The Great Commission. Their perseverance is sustained by The Holy Spirit's Role: "the Lord was testifying to the word of His grace" through miraculous signs and wonders. These divine authentications validate Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel and serve to counteract the opposition's attempts to discredit the missionaries. This period of sustained, Spirit-confirmed ministry despite hostility leads to a divided city: "But the multitude of the city was divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles." This division (eschisthē) is a direct consequence of the Gospel's polarizing nature, which compels a response, thereby creating both fervent acceptance and fierce rejection.
The situation escalates dramatically: "But when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews with their rulers to mistreat and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region; and there they kept on preaching the Gospel." The plot to stone them represents an imminent threat to their lives, forcing a strategic retreat. This instance of Christianity Accepted and Opposed is not a defeat but a redirection. Their flight to Lystra and Derbe, and the immediate continuation of "preaching the Gospel" there, powerfully demonstrates the unstoppable nature of The Great Commission. Persecution, far from hindering the mission, paradoxically serves as a catalyst, forcing the Gospel into new geographical areas and fulfilling Jesus' warnings about disciples facing such opposition. This passage further illustrates Paul's missionary method and resilience, crucial for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT through his later letters.
Level 3
Boldness Amid Backlash
How Opposition Propels Great Commission
(Believers)
Let's enter Iconium with Paul and Barnabas, fresh from Antioch's expulsion but undimmed in zeal. They adhere to strategy: At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue (Acts 14:1). Speaking effectively, they ignite faith: There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. Mixed multitudes respond—Jews rooted in Scripture, Greeks drawn to promise—embodying The Great Commission's broadening embrace.
Yet shadows gather swiftly: But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers (verse 2). Rejection brews poison, minds twisted against truth. This Christianity Accepted and Opposed fractures the city: The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles (verse 4). Division isn't defeat; it highlights the gospel's divisive power, as Jesus foretold (Matthew 10:34-36).
Apostles endure: So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders (verse 3). Bold speech pairs with divine attestation—miracles validating Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel of grace. Signs echo earlier Acts outpourings, Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT like Hebrews 2:4, where God bears witness through wonders.
Peril peaks: There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country (verses 5-6). Plot uncovered—mistreatment to stoning, echoing Stephen's fate (Acts 7:58). Flight isn't cowardice; it's wisdom, preserving lives for further mission, as Jesus advised (Matthew 10:23).
Undeterred in exile: Where they continued to preach the gospel (verse 7). Persecution scatters but doesn't silence; it amplifies, pushing the word to new regions. This dynamic fuels The Great Commission, turning opposition into opportunity for expansion—from Iconium's division to Lycaonia's fields.
Inspirational layers unfold. Storytelling vivid: Feel the synagogue's tension, whispers turning hostile, midnight escape, dawn preaching anew. Paul's boldness, undimmed by threats, models resilience. Relatable: We face 'poisoned minds'—skepticism at work, family rifts over faith. Like them, speak boldly, trust God's confirmation.
Deeper ties: Iconium's mix of belief and backlash fulfills patterns of Prophecy Fulfillment, like Isaiah 53's suffering servant amid rejection. The Holy Spirit's Role implied in their boldness and signs, empowering continuance.
Actionable path: First, enter 'synagogues'—familiar settings like community groups—to share effectively. Second, expect division: Use it to clarify sides, persisting in grace. Third, seek confirmation: Pray for signs validating your message. Fourth, flee wisely: Discern when to withdraw, preserving for future fields. Fifth, preach continually: Let setbacks propel to new territories.
Iconium's turmoil birthed growth; your oppositions can too. Embrace the pattern—boldness meets backlash, flight fuels furtherance. Spot a 'plot' today? Trust God, move on, proclaim afresh. The Commission thrives through such trials—join the advance!
Level 3: Comprehensive Analysis
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 14:1-7 meticulously chronicles the ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, a significant city in Asia Minor, serving as a quintessential narrative illustrating the inherent dynamics of The Great Commission in its global phase. This pericope powerfully demonstrates the interplay between bold Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel, widespread acceptance, escalating Christianity Accepted and Opposed, and the strategic, Spirit-led geographical expansion of the Gospel.
I. Proclamation and Initial Success in Iconium (Acts 14:1)
The mission in Iconium, following the groundbreaking conversion of Sergius Paulus in Cyprus, continues Paul's consistent missionary pattern.
Synagogue as the Initial Platform: "In Iconium they entered the Jewish synagogue together, and spoke in such a way that a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed." (Acts 14:1). Iconium was an important city in the Roman province of Galatia (modern Turkey). Paul and Barnabas's consistent strategy of beginning their proclamation of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel in Jewish synagogues in Diaspora cities (cf. Acts 13:5, 14, 46) reflects their commitment to the theological priority of "to the Jew first" (Romans 1:16). The synagogue provided a ready-made audience familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, a common language (Greek), and a cultural framework for discussing messianic expectations.
Effective Preaching and Diverse Converts: The phrase "spoke in such a way" (houtōs lalēsai) suggests their preaching was particularly compelling and effective, likely empowered by The Holy Spirit's Role. The result: "a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed." This signifies significant numerical growth from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The "Greeks" (Hellēnōn) here are likely Gentile God-fearers or proselytes who attended the synagogue, highlighting the ongoing expansion of The Great Commission beyond pure Jewish circles, mirroring the recent events in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:48).
II. Escalating Opposition and Growing Division (Acts 14:2-4)
The widespread success of The Great Commission inevitably triggers intensifying Christianity Accepted and Opposed.
Jewish Incitement: "But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren." (Acts 14:2). These unbelieving Jews, having rejected Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel themselves, actively become agents of opposition. They "stirred up" (epēgeiran) and "embittered" (ekakōsan tas psychas, literally "made evil the souls" or "poisoned the minds") the Gentiles against the new believers ("the brethren"). This tactic of inciting external (Gentile) opposition is a recurring characteristic of the persecution faced by the early church, demonstrating the malicious and strategic nature of Christianity Accepted and Opposed.
Apostolic Perseverance Amidst Hostility: "So they spent a long time there speaking boldly for the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be done through their hands." (Acts 14:3). Despite the escalating antagonism, Paul and Barnabas do not immediately flee. Their decision to spend a "long time" (hikanon chronon) speaking boldly amidst rising opposition highlights their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to The Great Commission. Their perseverance is explicitly sustained by The Holy Spirit's Role: "the Lord was testifying to the word of His grace" (martyrountos tō logō tēs charitos autou) through miraculous signs and wonders. These divine authentications (healings, exorcisms, etc.) validate Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel and serve as God's powerful endorsement, counteracting the opposition's attempts to discredit the missionaries.
Divided City: "But the multitude of the city was divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles." (Acts 14:4). The Gospel's proclamation inherently demands a response, leading to a deep "division" (eschisthē) within the city's population. This polarization is a consistent outcome of The Great Commission (cf. Luke 12:51-53), as the message compels a choice, thereby creating both fervent acceptance and fierce rejection, a defining characteristic of Christianity Accepted and Opposed.
III. Plot, Strategic Retreat, and Continued Proclamation (Acts 14:5-7)
The opposition escalates from verbal antagonism to a violent, life-threatening plot, forcing a strategic, Spirit-led redirection of the missionary effort.
Plot to Stone: "But when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews with their rulers to mistreat and to stone them..." (Acts 14:5). The threat escalates from mere verbal contradiction to a physical assault, a plot to "mistreat" (hybrisai - to insult or assault violently) and "stone" (lithobolēsai) them. The involvement of "both the Gentiles and Jews with their rulers" signifies a broad-based, organized effort involving both religious and civic authorities, highlighting the pervasive nature of Christianity Accepted and Opposed. Stoning was a common method of execution for perceived blasphemy in Jewish contexts and could also be used in mob violence. This plot presented an imminent threat to Paul and Barnabas's lives.
Learning of the Plot and Strategic Flight: "...they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region; and there they kept on preaching the Gospel." (Acts 14:6-7). Their flight is not a retreat born of fear but a Spirit-guided, strategic withdrawal to preserve their lives for continued ministry. This aligns with Jesus's own instruction to flee persecution (Matthew 10:23). This instance of Christianity Accepted and Opposed thus paradoxically serves as a catalyst for geographical expansion, pushing The Great Commission into new, previously untouched territories in the Lycaonian region (southern Galatia). Lystra and Derbe were less Hellenized, more indigenous cities, further broadening the Gospel's reach.
Unwavering Commitment to Proclamation: The phrase "and there they kept on preaching the Gospel" (kakei euangelizomenoi ēsan) underscores their unwavering commitment to The Great Commission. Despite facing a death threat and being forced to flee, they immediately resumed proclaiming Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel in their new location. This resilience, sustained by The Holy Spirit's Role, demonstrates the inherent, unstoppable momentum of the Gospel. This steadfastness in the face of adversity is a defining characteristic of Paul's missionary life, crucial for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT through his later epistles where he often reflects on his sufferings and how they advanced the Gospel (e.g., 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philippians 1:12-14).
Acts 14:1-7 thus provides a quintessential illustration of The Great Commission's advance. It showcases the powerful efficacy of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel in prompting widespread belief, but also the inevitable and intensifying Christianity Accepted and Opposed that results from its radical claims. Ultimately, God sovereignly uses even persecution and threats to propel the Gospel into new geographical frontiers, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of His mission.
