Acts 14

Acts 14 narrates part of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey, highlighting their preaching, miracles, opposition, and church planting in cities of Asia Minor such as Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

Key elements include:

  • Preaching in Iconium: Paul and Barnabas enter the Jewish synagogue and preach the gospel, converting many Jews and Gentiles. However, unbelieving Jews incite opposition among the people, leading to a divided city and a threat of stoning against the apostles (Acts 14:1-5).

  • Miracles and Worship at Lystra: In Lystra, Paul heals a man crippled from birth, causing the crowd to mistakenly worship Paul and Barnabas as gods—calling them Zeus and Hermes. Paul and Barnabas vehemently reject this worship, tearing their clothes to show their humanity and urge the people to worship the living God who created heaven and earth (Acts 14:8-18).

  • Persecution and Stoning: Shortly after the healing, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrive and turn the crowd hostile. Paul is stoned and left for dead outside Lystra, but he miraculously recovers and continues his mission (Acts 14:19-20).

  • Church Planting and Encouragement: Paul and Barnabas preach in Derbe, making many disciples before retracing their steps through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen and encourage the new believers. They appoint elders (

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