ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Acts 14

Acts 14:1 Paul’s witness in Iconium followed the pattern in Pisidian Antioch; he began in the synagogue (see notes on 13:5; Rom. 1:16).

Acts 14:4 Both Paul and Barnabas are referred to as apostles (vv. 4, 14). The word has the general meaning of “one who is sent.” It is also used throughout the NT as a more technical term for someone chosen and commissioned by Christ for the proclamation of the gospel (Matt. 10:2; Luke 9:1; Acts 1:2, 15–26). Paul understood his calling as an apostle to be like the calling of the original Twelve in this technical sense, because he had seen Christ on the road to Damascus and had been specifically chosen and appointed by Christ (9:15; 26:16–17). See also 1 Cor. 9:2; 15:7–9; Gal. 1:1, 12, 16–17.

Acts 14:8–23 Lystra was populated mainly by Gentiles and had no synagogue. The ministry of Paul and Barnabas there centered around the healing of a lame man.

Acts 14:9 seeing that he had faith to be made well. The Holy Spirit gave Paul the ability to see what was happening in the invisible, spiritual realm.

Acts 14:11–13 The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men. Since the people were speaking in their native Lycaonian language, Paul and Barnabas were probably unaware of what was happening until the local priest began to offer sacrifice.

Acts 14:14–15 who made the heaven and the earth. Since the Lystrans believed in many gods, it was necessary to begin with the basic message that the Israelite God is the Creator of all that exists.

Acts 14:17 rains . . . and fruitful seasons. Paul tells them their regular harvests, the food they eat every day, and the gladness they experience in the ordinary activities of life are all a witness from God of his existence, wisdom, and goodness. The themes of this short speech will be developed in the speech at Mars Hill (17:16–34). These are the two occasions where Paul speaks to Gentiles who worship idols.

Acts 14:19 Iconium and Antioch were more than 100 miles (161 km) distant by road.

Acts 14:20 The presence of disciples indicates that, despite the opposition, a group of believers was established at Lystra (including Timothy; 16:1).

Acts 14:21 Derbe, about 58 miles (93 km) southeast of Lystra, marked the farthest point in Paul’s first journey. From that city (Derbe) Paul could have continued on south to his starting point of Syrian Antioch on foot. This would have been much easier than going back through Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch. Taking this longer route shows the importance Paul attached to maintaining contact with his churches and establishing local elders—even in the cities where he faced violent opposition.

Acts 14:22 many tribulations. See Paul’s account of his persecutions in 2 Tim. 3:10–12.

Acts 14:23 Paul’s churches followed the synagogue pattern of leadership by elders. The language here indicates several elders in every church (see also, e.g., 11:30; 15:6; 20:17; 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:5). See also note on 1 Sam. 4:3.

Acts 14:24–26 Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps south to Perga and the port city of Attalia. They then sailed home to their sponsoring congregation in Syrian Antioch. This time they shared the gospel in Perga (see note on 13:13). the work. See 13:2. It was perhaps during this time in Antioch that Paul penned his letter to the Galatians (c. a.d. 48).

Acts 14:27 opened a door. An expression Paul used elsewhere (e.g., 1 Cor. 16:9).