Acts 14 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Verses 1–4 describe how Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the gospel in Iconium.
Verses 5–19 describe how Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the gospel in Lystra.
Verses 20–28 describe how Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the gospel and strengthened the believers in several cities on their way back to Antioch.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

“the word of his grace”

The expression “the word of his grace” refers to the message that God will graciously forgive and accept those who believe in Jesus. (See: grace and believe)

Zeus and Hermes

In this chapter, Barnabas and Paul are mistaken for the pagan gods Zeus and Hermes. The Gentiles in the Roman Empire worshiped many different false gods that did not really exist. Paul and Barnabas told them to believe in the “living God,” that is, the one and only true God. (See: falsegod)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“We must enter into the kingdom of God through many sufferings.”

Jesus told his followers before he died that everyone who followed him would suffer persecution. Paul and Barnabas were saying the same thing using different words as they encouraged the new believers in the cities that they had visited.