The Acts of The Apostles

Acts was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Fourteen
(14:1-28)

Vs. 1-7

Paul and Barnabas move on to Iconium where they again attend the synagogue service. Again they have the opportunity to speak and many believe. As in (Acts 13:50) the Jews stir up trouble. "Minds evil affected" - education system of this world.

Vs. 3

Again boldness is the sign of Bible preaching. Signs and wonders (2 Cor. 12:12) are done by their hands. Barnabas has the apostolic signs and therefore is called an apostle (Acts 14:14).

Vs. 4

Preaching always brings division. (Lk. 12:51) The crowd under conviction comes forward at the invitation with rocks in their hands (Acts 7). 11 Cor. 11:25

Vs. 6

The apostles "skip town" going to Lystra and finally Derbe which was, the furthest point of the journey and they preached.

Vs. 7

The Gospel - (1 Cor. 15:1-5) Paul is not preaching the good news that a Jewish Messiah is coming to restore the kingdom to Israel, he is preaching. "Christ died for your sins, according to the scriptures...."

Vs. 8-18

The incident that follows, the healing of the impotent man, seems very familiar (Acts 3:1-6). The "healer, over the centuries have oft relied upon verse 9 as a lifesaver to their ministries when healings apparently have failed. "You didn't have enough faith, brother." This certainly is not the Bible rule.

(Mk. 6:1-6) people are healed when a lack of faith is very evident. (Acts 3:1-6) faith is never mentioned. Paul raises people from the dead, by the dead persons faith?! Paul does not say, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth...." He does not say, "Thy sins be forgiven thee...." (Mk. 2:5), he simply says "stand upright."

Vs. 11

"The gods" (Gen. 6:1-4; Acts 19:35; Ps. 82; Dan. 2).

Vs. 12

The people thought the gods had returned. It's interesting that in 2,000 years even though the gods have not returned they are looking for them today more than ever. while speaking of the judgment of God, people say "well it hasn't happened yet, probably never will."

Jupiter is the supreme god. The new Bibles substitute Zeus for Jupiter and Hermes for Mercury. The world was ruled by Rome (Jupiter, Latin) not Greece (Zeus, Greek). Consequently Roman gods were worshipped. Mercury was the interpreter or spokesman, thus Paul's designation. See Rev. 13:10-17.

Vs. 14

The apostles are upset with the reaction of the people. Paul then goes into a Romans 1 witnessing situation. "Turn from" (vs. 15) ...."he did good" (vs. 17; Rom. 2:4) One must recognize first the true God before one can find the true Saviour.

Garlands are for the crowning of gods (vs. 13).

Vs. 19-28

The unbelieving Jews have been hot on Paul's trail (from Antioch and Iconium). Paul is stoned and left for dead (2 Cor. 11:25). Paul must have had some physical constitution. The next day he is ready to go on a journey (vs. 20). Besides that, after he was stoned he went back into the same city - suicidal maniac. (2 Cor. 12:1-6)

Vs. 21

Paul winds up the journey by returning to many of the cities he had already preached in to see how the church was progressing. on his return he does not visit the two cities on Cyprus.

He preached and taught.

Continuing in the faith refers to the complete body of revealed truth. (Acts 13:38,39; Jude 3; Gal. 1:23; Eph. 4:13)

Kingdom of God (Lk. 19:11; Acts 1:3) Suffering and tribulation (1 Thess. 1:6) have to do with earned rewards (Rom. 8:17).

Vs. 23

Ordination of Elders: (1 Pet. 5:1,2; 1 Tim. 5:17; Acts 20:17)

The apostles continue their journey and return to Antioch to return to home base. He shares with them his experiences and remains a "long time" with the disciples.

 

Return To Index | Acts 15