Acts 16:35–40

³⁵ And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.” ³⁶ So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.” ³⁷ But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.” ³⁸ And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. ³⁹ Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. ⁴⁰ So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed. 

Commentary 

Vs. 35-36 ³⁵ And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.” ³⁶ So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.” 

Now when morning dawned and the magistrate’s heels had now cooled, they sent officers to the keeper of the prison telling him to now release Paul and Silas, saying, “Let those men go.” (vs. 35). Therefore, the keeper of prison when he reported these words to Paul, told him that he could now depart in peace (vs. 36). 

Vs. 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.” 

However, the Apostle Paul knowing how wrongly they had been treated, and being themselves Roman citizens which gave them inherent rights and protections under the law, though they were Jews by birth, refused to now silently depart as if no wrong had been done to them. Now this action on their part is not unique to them, for time and again when lawful authority abuses its authority, we very often see the same things done, releasing one unjustly imprisoned or mistreated, so as to cover their own unjust actions. 

Vs. 38 “And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.” 

Now when the officers reported the words of Paul to the magistrates, they became very afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Romans. For they knew what they had done to Paul and Silas would be done many more times severely to them, for their beating and detaining, and thus mistreating two uncondemned Roman citizens like that. 

Vs. 39-40 ³⁹ Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. ⁴⁰ So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed. 

And so, the magistrates now fearing for their own safety, come directly to Paul and Silas, and they themselves bring them out of the prison, which would’ve been of no small significance to all those who would have observed this, while also hearing them publicly pleading with Paul and Silas to depart from their city. Therefore, Paul and Silas with their innocence restored and their dignity intact, they now before departing return to the house of Lydia where their evangelist meetings first bore fruit, and having seen her and those who believed with her, they encouraged the brethren before departing from that city. 

Scripture Quotations 

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Acts 16:25–34

²⁵ But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. ²⁷ And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. ²⁸ But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” ²⁹ Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” ³¹ So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. ³³ And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. ³⁴ Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. 

Commentary 

Vs. 25 “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” 

Even though Paul and Silas had been unjustly arrested and severely beaten by the authorities, and now they were been held in stocks in the most deplorable of conditions and places in the prison, they were not discouraged or disgruntled, no they were rejoicing! Praying and singing hymns to God because they knew they were being so wrongly treated for their faith in and faithfully testifying to the Lord Jesus Christ. For you can mistreat, persecute, and even imprison a man, but you cannot imprison his heart and soul! Now as they were doing so the other prisoners were listening to them, hearing and experiencing through them the salvation and solace that only God provides. 

Vs. 26 “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” 

God Himself then upon hearing His servants praising Him, and having many more plans for them, will not allow the schemes of man to prevail against them. Shaken then the very foundations of the prison where they were being unjustly held so as to release them, and not only them, but all who heard them! For that is the Power of God and the Will of God through the Gospel, to set captives free! Free from sin and Satan and from every evil chain and bondage of this unjust and evil world (Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:16-21). And even though all the prisoner’s chains were loosed, as we will see they all remained where they were, because through Paul and Silas proclaiming the praises of God, they had found peace and solace for their souls. 

Vs. 27-28 ²⁷ And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. ²⁸ But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” 

Now when this earthquake shook the prison and loosened all of the prisoners chains the keeper of this prison was awakened, and seeing the prison doors opened, and supposing all the prisoners had fled, he drew his sword to kill himself, because he knew the torturous Roman punishment unto death, he would have to endure for losing them. Thankfully though Paul perceiving what was about to happen, called out to him with a loud voice saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” 

Vs. 29-31 ²⁹ Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” ³¹ So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 

Now when the keeper of the prison heard Paul say that, he immediately called for a light and ran in to the inner prison and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas (vs. 29), and bringing them out from that horrible dark place, and being now humbled and beyond words grateful for the mercy Paul just showed him, he asked them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Which can garner only one replay and that is, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ^{Vs. 31} Thus not only would he be saved by the grace of God if he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, but so would those of his household if they did likewise! 

Vs. 32-33 ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. ³³ And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 

Having then declared the way of salvation, Paul and Silas now preach the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house (vs. 32). Having then believed, both he and his household, the Jailer now washed their strips, that is their wounds, and both he and his household were baptized that same night by them (vs. 33). And that is the pattern of the N.T. upon one’s declaration of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ they were (and are to be) baptized in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Only when circumstances do not allow for such, should there then be any delay. And so, each individual who believes should be baptized when they can be. 

Vs. 34 “Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” 

The Jailer then having believed in God is now not only eternally grateful and rejoicing, but he no longer saw Paul and Silas as prisoners who were only worthy of mistreatment and contempt, for he now saw them as beloved brethren, and so he brought them into his own home and set food before them, which again like his washing their strips before they baptized him shows the transformation that God undertook in him with his believing in His Son.

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Acts 16:16–24

¹⁶ Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. ¹⁷ This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” ¹⁸ And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. ¹⁹ But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. ²⁰ And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; ²¹ and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” ²² Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. ²³ And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. ²⁴ Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 

Commentary 

Vs. 16 “Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.” 

And so, it was with Lydia and her household saved that the Apostle Paul and those with him continued to go to place of prayer where people customarily gathered. Now it was on a certain day while doing so that there met them a certain slave girl who was possessed with a spirit of divination, whom the Scripture says brought much profit to her masters by fortune telling. Now throughout the Scripture the mention of demons, and or entering people, or their enabling people to do certain this is a reality. However, there is a grave personal cost that comes to those who seek such things for themselves, in that they themselves will become slaves to, and often be tormented by such things. Therefore, Scripture warns and commands us all to stay clear of all such things. For demon worship will lead to demon possession. Now how this girl came to such a state we are not told, but what we are told that she being a slave girl and being demon possessed with a spirit of divination was being used by her masters to make profit for themselves. 

Vs. 17-18 ¹⁷ This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” ¹⁸ And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 

This girl then continued to follow Paul and those with him for many days, crying out and saying that, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” ^{Vs. 17} Therefore Paul being greatly annoyed with her ongoing harassment of them turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour (vs. 18). What we then see by his doing so is the Authority and Power of God given to His Apostles to do such things. And so, this woman was not saved, (that would’ve required a personal decision on her part), she was simply released from her spiritual bondage, which as we will see made her useless to those who were profiting from her. 

Vs. 19 “But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.” 

Her masters upon seeing that their hope of making any more profit from her fortune telling was now gone, they turn on Paul and Silas, seize them and drag them into the marketplace taking them to the authorities. Hoping then to exact some kind of revenge on them, through them. 

Vs. 20-21 ²⁰ And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; ²¹ and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” 

And so not being able to charge them with setting free an enslaved girl from her demon possession, they must find something that would rile and arouse the wrath of the magistrates against them. And in this they first charge them with being Jews (who were a minority in their community who lived separated lives from the Gentiles), who they said were now exceedingly troubling their city, that is they charged Paul and Silas with teaching customs which were not lawful for them being Romans to receive nor observe. None of which was true, (but that is what Satan’s own does, they lie about and slander the servants of God), for all they had done was preach the Gospel, telling people to turn from their idols and turn to the Living God so that they might be healed and be saved. Nonetheless those who seized them knew that by charging Paul and Silas with doing such things, they would rile up not only their magistrates, but also everyone else who lived there. 

Vs. 22-24 ²² Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. ²³ And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. ²⁴ Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 

And so, when the people and magistrates in the marketplace heard these things, they all rose up against Paul and Silas. And the magistrates tore of their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods (vs. 22). Having then laid many strips (i.e., severe wounds) on them, they threw Paul and Silas into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely (vs. 23). The jailer then having received such a charge from the magistrates put Paul and Silas into the inner prison fastening their feet with stocks (vs. 24). This though will not have the desired effect, in that neither Paul nor Silas will be silenced by imprisonment. For the Gospel always goes out in power, for wherever we are, and no matter what condition we are in, God will always make a witness for Himself through us, to one and to all.  

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Acts 16:11–15

 ¹¹ Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, ¹² and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. ¹³ And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. ¹⁴ Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. ¹⁵ And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us. 

Commentary 

Vs. 11-12 ¹¹ Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, ¹² and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 

With the vision given the Apostle Paul and his entourage now set sail from Troas and make a straight course to Samothrace, and island where the spent the night. And so, the next day they reached the mainland of Macedonia at the port of Neapolis (vs. 11). From there they began a journey on foot going inland to Philippi, (think epistle to the Philippians), the foremost city of that region and a Roman colony. And so, they stayed there for some days as they preached the Gospel and made disciples there. 

Vs. 13 “And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there.” 

Apparently, there were some who gathered at the city’s riverside on the Sabbath to make prayers. These then would’ve been Jews who by doing so indicates that they did not have a Synagogue there. And so, when Paul and those with him heard that this was where they gathered, they went there and sat down and spoke with the woman who met there. 

Vs. 14-15 ¹⁴ Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. ¹⁵ And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us. 

Now amongst the woman praying there was a certain woman named Lydia who was originally from the city of Thyatira (which was renowned for its fine cloths and dyes) but she had moved to Philippi and established a business there. Now the Scripture says that Lydia worshiped God. And so, when she heard the Apostle Paul speak about the Lord Jesus Christ and the grace of God give to us through Him, the Lord opened her heart and she believed! And so, it was that both she and her whole household were baptized. Now when she had been baptized, she begged Paul and those with him to stay with her, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” Therefore, she persuaded them (vs. 15). And so, with Lydia we see that in preaching or sharing the Gospel to a crowd we are not to look out for the many as coming to Him, (which may or may not happen) but rather to look out for and be attentive too those whom the Lord has opened their hearts to truly believe in Him.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 16:6–10

 ⁶ Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. ⁷ After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. ⁸ So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. ⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. 

Commentary 

Vs. 6 “Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.” 

Once again, the Holy Spirit comes to the forefront as the One who was directing the ministry of not only the church at Jerusalem, but also the work of the Apostle Paul, which is a given seeing that the Lord had chosen Paul for this very work. And so, when Paul and his entourage had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia revisiting the churches there and preaching the word there, the Holy Spirit forbid him to preach the Word in Asia. Were not told why they were not permitted to preach the Word there, (but one may safely assume it was simply not in God’s timing to do so at that time), for He alone knows the effects of their doing so, if they had tried at that time. And so we do not need to know all the whys of the counsel of God, we simply need to trust and obey Him, if we hope to be used effectively by Him. 

Vs. 7 “After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.” 

And so, passing through the Asia they first come to the district of Mysia, and from there they thought to go into Bithynia, (which was along the coast of the Black Sea). But once again the Spirit did not permit them, for as we will see it seems there was an even more pressing need ahead of them. It is to be noted that later both Asia and Bithynia would have the Word preached to them, and they would become a place for disciples (1 Peter 1:1-2). 

Vs. 8 “So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.” 

And so, moving quickly through the province of Mysia, they came down to Troas, a prominent city on its seacoast, and for there they would’ve been looking across the Aegean Sea towards Greece and Continental Europe. 

Vs. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 

This vision given Paul at night then will be the catalyst for his taking the Gospel into the region of Macedonia, which was part of the Roman Empire and was located in what we would consider southeast Europe. Now Macedonia itself was once a mighty ancient nation and Empire which was conquered by Alexander the Great and then later the Romans. Back then it was considered a part of northern Greece. Today it would be bordered by Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, and Kosovo/Serbia (northwest), with Greece to the south. And so, in answering this call the Apostle Paul would then be effectively bringing the Gospel to Continental Europe, which would not only save countless souls, but also help form the development of European thought and beliefs for centuries to come. 

Vs. 10 “Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.” 

Therefore, after seeing the vision the Apostle Paul recognized it as the Will of the Lord for them, and so they sought to go and preach the Gospel in Macedonia. Now it has been noted by others that at this point the personal pronouns change from I to we which many believe indicate that the Apostle Luke had now joined the Apostle Paul along with Timothy and Silas (see Believers Bible Commentary). And so, he will now record everything from an eyewitness firsthand account.  

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 16:1–5

Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. ² He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. ³ Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. ⁴ And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. 

Commentary 

Vs. 1 “Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.” 

The Apostle Paul now returns to Derbe and Lystra cities of Lycaonia where he and Barnabas first preached the Gospel, made disciples and established churches, reaching both Jews and Gentiles there. Now it was at Lystra Paul had also survived a violent stoning attempt on his life. And so, it was while revisiting the brethren they’re that Paul was introduced to certain disciple named Timothy, whose mother was Jewish and had believed, however his father was Greek. 

Vs. 2 “He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.” 

Now with Timothy being well spoken of by all the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Timothy himself must have already been involved in the churches own outreach and support work in that region. 

Vs. 3 “Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.” 

And so, in Timothy the Apostle Paul sees what he did not see with John Mark, a person called by God to serve with them, who would also faithfully follow with them (1 Tim. 1:18). Therefore, Paul wanting to take Timothy with him, and knowing that the unbelieving Jews would use Timothy’s being Jewish, but being uncircumcised against Timothy, now circumcises Timothy for his own sake (Gal. 2:3). For can you imagine what they would have done if Paul brought Timothy into a Synagogue, or the Temple in Jerusalem, being uncircumcised (consider Acts 21:27-36). 

Vs. 4-5 ⁴ And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. 

With Timothy now traveling with the Apostle Paul and Silas who was himself a prophet. They return to all the places which Paul and Barnabas first preached and established churches, delivering to them the decrees which were determined by the Apostles and elders at Jerusalem for us all to keep (vs. 4). And so, it was that the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily (vs. 5) when they read that they were not bound to circumcision and the keeping the Law through Moses. For Gospel of the grace of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the most compelling message this world has ever heard. 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 15:36–41

 ³⁶ Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” ³⁷ Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. ³⁸ But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. ³⁹ Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. ⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. 

Having then strengthened all the brethren in the grace of God at Antioch, by their preaching and teaching and expounding the Word of God, the Apostle Paul now wants to return to all the places where he and Barnabas had preached the Gospel and magnified the Word of God, and thus made many disciples (vs. 36). Now Barnabas was wanting to take with them John called Mark his cousin, however the Apostle Paul remembering how Mark had left them at Pamphylia, and thus had not gone on with them to complete the work, did not feel that he should accompany them (vs. 37-38). And so, it was that the contention became so sharp between them that Barnabas took Mark and sailed back to Cyprus, their native land (vs. 39, Acts 4:36). It appears then that Barnabas’ family loyalty may have clouded his judgment in regards to this matter, since not everyone is chosen by the Holy Spirit for the mission field, nor is everyone prepared for the hardships that one must endure while doing so. Now when this occurred the Apostle Paul chose Silas to accompany him, and they departed to do that work, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God (vs. 40). Which clearly indicates that the church was with the Apostle Paul’s decision regarding this matter. And so, it will be from this time forth that the Apostle Paul will become the primary missionary to the Gentiles, preaching the Gospel, discipling believers, establishing churches, and later while imprisoned for his faith in Christ writing a good portion of the N.T. The Apostle Paul had so many Spirit gifts, and the only way to use them was get out and endure the sufferings and reproaches of the Gospel for the Lord and His people’s sake. And so that is what he is about to do, leave the comforts of Antioch, and begin to fulfill his ministry. The only question then is will you? 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 15:30-35

 ³⁰ So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. ³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. ³² Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. ³³ And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. ³⁴ However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. ³⁵ Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 

Vs. 30-31 ³⁰ So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. ³¹ When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. 

The Apostles Paul and Barnabas then being sent off from Jerusalem now return to Antioch with the Apostles decision and letter, upon arriving there they assemble the brethren and deliver the letter to them. And so, when the brethren read it, they all rejoiced and were encouraged by it, for their faith was only to be in the Lord Jesus Christ and trusting Him alone, not in ones attempting to keep the circumcision and the Law according to Moses and all of the statutes and commandments and requirements that goes with all of that, as the troublers there were trying to make them do. 

Vs. 32 “Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.” 

Here we learn that both Judas and Silas were themselves prophets, gifted by the Holy Spirit to be such, and so as such they themselves were only second to the Apostles (1 Cor. 12:28-30). And so, they too exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words to keep them all in grace of God with obedience towards God by obeying the Lord Jesus Christ and keeping His Commandments, not Moses and circumcision. 

Vs. 33-35 ³³ And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. ³⁴ However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. ³⁵ Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 

And so, it was that they stayed there for a time and strengthened the disciples. Now verses 34 and 35 maybe indicating that both Judas and Silas returned to Jerusalem and then Silas himself returned to Antioch where the Apostles Paul and Barnabas had remained. However, one understands it, the fact is the Silas himself was at Antioch when the Apostles Paul would begin his second missionary journey, for he accompanied him on it. 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 15:22–29

 ²² Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. ²³ They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. ²⁴ Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment—²⁵ it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, ²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. ²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: ²⁹ that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. 

Commentary 

Vs. 22 “Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.” 

With their decision settled, and the Jerusalem decree written, the Apostles and elders at Jerusalem now ask the Apostles Paul and Barnbas to return to Antioch with it, and to take with them some chosen men from their assembly who would also verify their decision, amongst whom are mentioned two leading men, Judas also called Barsabas, and Silas who will later accompany the Apostle Paul’s on his many of his evangelistic and missionary endeavors. On a side note, Paul refers to Silas as Silvanus in (1 Thess. 1:1; 2Thess. 2:1). 

Vs. 23-29 ²³ They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. ²⁴ Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment—²⁵ it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, ²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. ²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: ²⁹ that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. 

And so, the Apostles and elders at Jerusalem in returning the Apostles Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch also gave them this letter (vs. 23-29), in which they first refute those Jews who went out from their assembly and went to Antioch trying to put the Gentiles under Moses and the Law (vs. 23-24). Notice too that it is specifically addressed to the Gentiles who are in Antioch, Syria, Cilicia, basically every region where Gentile disciples had been made, or will be made, for there are no regional teachings or commandments in the N.T., that to apply to one assembly and not another. And so, they make it abundantly clear that neither the Holy Spirit, nor they, have ever commanded that anyone who has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ by God’s grace should ever be put back under Moses and the Law (vs. 24-28). Now, so as to restore the Apostles Paul and Barnbas’ reputations and authority there; for no doubt those who opposed them at Antioch said many things against them, and likely even used Paul’s past as a Pharisees and persecutor of the church to undermine him; they now strongly reaffirm them by saying that not only are Paul and Barnabas beloved by them, (and all the church there), but that they themselves have also risked their own lives for the Lord Jesus Christ and for the sake of the Gospel (vs. 26). Therefore, they are also sending to Antioch to two leading men from them, Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth to them (Vs. 27). Which should then silence anyone who would now dare speak against them. In concluding their openly penned letter to us all, the Apostles and elders now write some simple and poignant words, that every believer needs to re-read when those who also seek to trouble us try to confuse or complicate what is required of us, stating to every believer everywhere: ²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: ²⁹ that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. ^{Vs. 28-30} No heavy burden then do they, or the Lord Jesus Christ lay upon us, rather we are simply to abide in His Word, and let His Spirit guide us through it! “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” ^{Rom. 15:4}

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 15:6–21

 ⁶ Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. ⁷ And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. ⁸ So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, ⁹ and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? ¹¹ But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” ¹² Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. ¹³ And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: ¹⁴ Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. ¹⁵ And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ¹⁶ ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; ¹⁷ So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’ ¹⁸ “Known to God from eternity are all His works. ¹⁹ Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, ²⁰ but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. ²¹ For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” 

Commentary 

Vs. 6-11 ⁶ Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. ⁷ And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. ⁸ So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, ⁹ and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? ¹¹ But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” 

Given all the implications of circumcising the Gentiles and putting them back under Law according to Moses, the Apostles and elders came together to consider this matter (vs. 6). And so, only after there was a vigorous debate, (i.e., dispute, vs. 7). The Apostle Peter rose up to speak to them all and began by reminding them that it was God who chose him to be the one who would first preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and bring them into the house of faith (see Acts 10). Now this he did by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He had given Him to the Apostles during Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out into the world (see Acts 2). And so, when God gave the Gentiles who believed in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit just as He gave it to Peter and the other Apostles and those Jews who were believers with them at Pentecost, He forever made it clear that He is now receiving all Gentiles who believe In His Son the Lord Jesus Christ by His Works and Righteousness and nothing else. Therefore, since God Himself requires neither circumcision, nor keeping of the Law by them to save them, and bring them to Himself, since He is purifying our hearts by faith. Who then are they to now try to put the Gentiles back under the burden of Law, by putting a yoke on their necks, (antithesis Matt. 11:28-30), which Peter himself says neither they, nor their fathers were ever able to bear (vs. 10). Therefore, in concluding, the Apostle Peter now states that he and all the Apostles believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they (vs. 11). Thus, making no distinction between themselves and the Gentiles who believe. This then is the tenure of the entire N.T. Scripture, and so to now try to argue otherwise is only to show oneself as an unbeliever, who “loves” Moses and the Law (which cannot save them by their own obedience to it) more than they do the Lord. 

Vs. 12-21 ¹² Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. ¹³ And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: ¹⁴ Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. ¹⁵ And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ¹⁶ ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; ¹⁷ So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’ ¹⁸ “Known to God from eternity are all His works. ¹⁹ Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, ²⁰ but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. ²¹ For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” 

When the Apostle Peter finished giving His defense of the Gospel of the grace of God, which comes just as freely to the Gentiles as it does to the Jews, the assembly kept silent, as now both Barnabas and Saul began declaring how many wonders and miracles God had worked through them amongst the Gentiles, thus verifying all that Peter himself had just said (vs. 12). No when they had become silent the Apostle James (Jesus’ half brother the one who penned the Epistles of James) began addressing the assembly. And so he begins by reaffirming what the Apostle Peter has already stated, that God has chosen to take a people for Himself out of the Gentiles; that is every Gentile who believes in His Son is also one of His chosen people (vs. 14), elect according to the foreknowledge of God (1 Peter 1:2). Therefore, the Apostle James says with this the words of prophets agree, therefore to verify this to them he cites the Scripture from Amos 9:11-12 where it says: ¹⁶ ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; ¹⁷ So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’ ^{vs. 16-17} 

Therefore, the Apostle James in citing this Scripture in this context is seeing beyond the literal Temple in Jerusalem but to the heart of the matter which is the body of the Lord Jesus Christ Risen from the dead, for Jesus Himself said: “Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up” (see John 2:19-21). Thus, in rebuilding the Tabernacle of David, God has restored faith and trust in His Person through His Son Jesus Christ whom David Himself believed in (Psalm 110:1-2). Therefore, this is what God has done by raising His Son from the dead so that the Jews and the Gentiles who are called by His Name will seek Him through His Son, for everyone who now does will be received by Him! Therefore, I urge you to do the same, seek God’s salvation by faith in His Son Jesus Christ and you will find Him! 

Vs. 18-21 ¹⁸ “Known to God from eternity are all His works. ¹⁹ Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, ²⁰ but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. ²¹ For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” 

The Apostle James then in decisively settling the matter, now says that it is God alone who knows and foresees all that He is going to do (vs. 18), and so to go against His Will, when it has been clearly revealed to us, is only the greatest of folly. Therefore, in concluding the matter the Apostles James sees no grounds for putting the Gentiles who are turning to God back under Moses and Law, thereby troubling them with a burden that no one can carry (vs. 19). Rather he says that in seeking to disciple them in the Lord Jesus Christ they as a collective leadership body, who have fully considered and settled this matter, should write to them, “….to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. ²¹ For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” ^{Vs. 20-21}

In essence believers are to then seek spiritual and moral purification, spiritual purity by first shunning all idols and all of the demonic powers and elements that belong to that, and forward that (and every false worship practice). For it is by idolatry that one is given over by God to a debased mind (see Rom. 1:18-32). Moral purification by abstaining from all forms of sexual immorality, whether this be fornication or adultery or homosexuality etc. Now as to not eating things strangled and eating of blood this seems to go to the heart of some of the pagan worship practices back then, and so by abstaining from eating of those things one was keeping oneself from them (for more on this read 1 Cor. 10:14-22, 23-33; Rev. 18:1-5; 2 Cor. 6:15-16 etc.). Therefore, in concluding the Apostle James says that “Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” Thus, we are not preachers and ministers of Moses and the Law, but the Lord Jesus Christ and the New Covenant which is made plain to us through the Gospel (2 Cor. 3:5-6, 7-11, 12-18; Book of Hebrews 1-10). 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 15:1–5

  And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” ² Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. ³ So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. ⁴ And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. ⁵ But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” 

Commentary 

Vs. 1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 

Now these men who came from Judea where Jerusalem and the Temple was no doubt were Jews, who claiming authority in the faith, now come to Antioch trying to teach the brethren that, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” This then was a direct assault on the Gospel of the grace of God. For in commanding the brethren to be circumcised according to the custom of Moses, they were in effect trying to turn those Gentiles who believed, not only into Jews, but also trying to put them back under the Law of Moses, by which no one can be saved in trying to keep it themselves (Rom. 4:4-5; Gal. 2:16, 19-21; James 2:10 etc.). Getting circumcised then is a very serious matter for it makes one a debtor to keep the whole law themselves (Gal. 5:1-5), something which Christ has already done for us all who believe in Him (). And so, no Gentile should ever feel that they need to be circumcised to be saved, all they need to do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. And so, it will be that this will be the ongoing battle ground for the church, with circumcision according to Moses, just being a pretext for trying to put believers back under the Law. 

Vs. 2 “Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.” 

Now the Apostles Paul and Barnabas immediately recognized the danger in trying to command the Gentiles to be circumcised, and so they vigorously disputed with those false teachers. Therefore, the church in Antioch wanting an absolute clarification on the matter, will now send the Apostles Paul and Barnabas, with certain others from amongst them, to Jerusalem, to the Apostles and elders there. 

Vs. 3 “So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.” 

Now while on their journey to Jerusalem “they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.” Theirs then, when not preaching the Gospel, or refuting false brethren and their false doctrines, was a ministry of encouraging and strengthening the disciples wherever they found them in the faith!  

Vs. 4 “And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.” 

When the Apostles Paul and Barnabas and those with them arrived at Jerusalem they were received by the church and the apostles and elders there, and so there would’ve been a time of great fellowship and joy, as they reported all the things that God had done with them in preaching the Gospel. However, they were not there for that reason, they were sent there to bring a unified Apostolic clarification to this pressing issue, since left unaddressed it could’ve very well been the end of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone as the only way to eternal salvation. 

Vs. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” 

Sadly, though even there, there would be opposition to the grace of God, as some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” In them (and those likeminded with them) then we see the fulfillment of Jesus’ Words when He foresaw this hesitancy towards God’s grace and the New Covenant when He said, “And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.” ^{Luke 5:39}

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

 

Acts 14:1–28

  ¹ Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. ² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. ³ Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. ⁴ But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. ⁵ And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, ⁶ they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. ⁷ And they were preaching the gospel there. ⁸ And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. ⁹ This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, ¹⁰ said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. ¹¹ Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” ¹² And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. ¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out ¹⁵ and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, ¹⁶ who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. ¹⁷ Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” ¹⁸ And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. ¹⁹ Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. ²⁰ However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. ²¹ And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ²² strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” ²³ So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. ²⁴ And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. ²⁵ Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. ²⁶ From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. ²⁷ Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Commentary  

Preamble: With the Jews rejection of the Gospel at Antioch of Pisidia the Apostles Paul and Barnabas now set out on a fervent evangelistic campaign and begin to reach many Gentiles, (as the Lord worked mightily through them), establishing then churches throughout the regions where they now preach the Gospel. Churches which did not bear their own names, as they would never permit that (1 Cor. 1:12-13), but only the Name above all names Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:9). For our fellowship with God in heaven is not under the banner of men, but only through Jesus Christ who is the Head of the church here on earth and in heaven. His Name alone then we all bear who believe in Him (i.e., Christians). 

Vs. 1 ¹ Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 

There first stop then after departing from Pisidia is at Iconium, the capital of ancient Lycaonia, which along with the cities Lystra, Pisidian Antioch, and Derbe were all considered part of Galatia.^[1] And so once again they enter the synagogue of the Jews, and use it as a means to preach the Gospel. Now a great multitude of the Jews and the Greeks that were attending believed. However, as we will see just as the Apostle Paul first foresaw at Pisidia (Acts 13:46-47) so now the majority of the Jews at Iconium will likewise turns against the Word of the Lord spoken to them. 

Vs. 2 “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.” 

Once again it would be the unbelieving Jews (to whom the Gospel came to first) who would now stir up the Gentiles against the Apostles Paul and Barnabas preaching, poisoning their minds against the brethren. 

Vs. 3 “Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” 

The Apostles though were not deterred, indeed because they had made many disciples they stayed there, speaking boldly in the Lord, (which is always a sign of His Spirit working), indeed the Spirit Himself to establish and verify Jesus Christ through the Apostles preaching also bore great witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 

Vs. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 

The effect then was that the city whose majority was made up of Gentiles became divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 

Vs. 5-7 ⁵ And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, ⁶ they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. ⁷ And they were preaching the gospel there. 

And so, with Apostles ongoing boldness, and the lines now drawn with the Lord Jesus Christ and faith in His Person as the way to salvation, the unbelieving Gentiles and Jews along with their rulers now seek to abuse and stone the Apostles, that is they sought to destroy them, so as to end they’re preaching the Gospel there (Vs. 5). However, the Apostles were not without allies, and so when they became aware of it, they fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. ⁷ And they were preaching the gospel there (vs. 6-7). Therefore, rejection or even the threat of death or harm in one place did not mean the end of the ministry, indeed it was often the means by which the Gospel was preached to a whole new region! 

Vs. 8-10 ⁸ And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. ⁹ This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, ¹⁰ said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 

Now Lystra was located about 20 miles southwest of Iconium, and so arriving safely there once again the Apostle Paul and Barnabas begin preaching the Gospel, this time though they remain outside of the synagogue of the Jews, and take Christ’s Message directly to the people in the streets! Now while they were doing so that there was a man there, a cripple from his mothers’ womb who had never walked, who was listening intently to the Apostle Paul’s preaching. And so, Paul seeing the man had faith to be healed said in a loud voice to him, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And with that the man leaped up and walked! This miracle of the Holy Spirit then mirrors the one which the Spirit did through the Apostle Peter when he too was boldly preaching publicly in Jerusalem (see Acts 3:2-10). Again, these things were done to establish an undeniable witness of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection Power first the Jews, and now to the Gentiles. All which we now have recorded for us in the Scriptures so that we too may believe. 

Vs. 11-13 ¹¹ Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” ¹² And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. 

So amazed were those who saw what the Spirit had done through the Apostle Paul that they now attributed to him and to Barnabas the status of “gods”, calling Barnabas Zeus, and Paul, Hermes because he was the chief speaker (vs. 11-12). Even their priest of Zeus, whose temple was in the front of their city, which indicates the importance their misguided belief in their Greek gods had to them, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. And so, these people truly believed that the “gods” had come down to them, when if fact it was God in heaven revealing Himself through His Apostles to them. 

Vs. 14-18 ¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out ¹⁵ and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, ¹⁶ who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. ¹⁷ Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” ¹⁸ And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. 

Now when the Apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what the multitude was going to do, they themselves tore their own clothes (as a sign of contrition before God) and ran right into the midst of crowd, crying out and asking them why are they doing such things. For in preaching salvation to them, they were not seeking to be glorified, but rather to testify too and glorify the Lord of Glory the Lord Jesus Christ who had just revealed Himself through the mighty miracle He had just worked through them. Therefore, having run into the midst of the crowd they now tell the crowd that they themselves are not “gods”, but they are men just like them, with the same nature as them. Therefore, they tell the people to turn from their useless idols and worship of them, and prayers towards them, and turn to the Living God (who does not give His Glory to another, Isaiah 42:8), because He alone has created the heavens and the earth, the seas and all things that are in them and on them! Who as the Apostles point out in bygone generations, allowed the nations to walk in their own ways, nonetheless He has always made sure that He Himself has always had a witness, “…in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” ^Vs.17 Now when the multitudes heard that the Apostles could scarcely keep them from sacrificing to them. For these people who had spent their lives serving their useless idols (which never did nothing for them) when they heard about the One True God in heaven who always does and intends good towards them, they themselves were completely enamored with Him, and so not having Him there to worship they sought to worship His messengers who had made Him so plainly known to them. This then is the peril of a Gospel preacher who must always be on guard against people becoming enamored with him. 

Vs. 19-20 ¹⁹ Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. ²⁰ However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 

Now the Jews who had rejected the Word of the Lord at Antioch of Pisidia and Iconium had not only driven the Apostles Paul and Barnabas from their region but when they found out that they were at Lystra, they came there and turned the people there against them. And so, these people who once thought Paul and Barnabas gods, but who rejected their worship of their persons, and told them to worship the living God not men, now became in their minds their enemies, and so they stoned Paul (the one who had done the miracle amongst them) and they dragged him out of the city supposing him to be dead (vs. 19). Miraculously though when the disciples gathered around him Paul rose up and went into the city, likely to get Barnabas. Here we see then the fearlessness that the Lord imparts to those who fear Him and not man. And so, it was likely having visited those who believed there, Paul and Barnabas depart from there and move onto Derbe. Now Derbe was another city of Lycaonia located southeast of Lystra, and being the farthest civilized extant of that Province it was a frontier city. 

Vs. 21-23 ²¹ And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ²² strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” ²³ So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 

Though the Apostles Paul and Barnabas had a rough go of it at Lystra, they were not deterred from their preaching the Gospel, and thus witnessing to and testifying of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. And so it was at Derbe when they preached the gospel there and they made many disciples, they returned to Lystra (the city where Paul was stoned), Iconium and Antioch (the cities where the Jews first raised up opposition to them), and they strengthened the souls of the disciples there exhorting them saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (vs. 22). And so, though it isn’t always going to be easy, or pleasant, you don’t quit. And so, it was upon their return to all these places where they had preached the Gospel, and now realizing that they themselves could not stay there and disciple all the believers there, they now appoint elders in every church, praying over them with fasting and commending them to the Lord in whom they had believed. This then marks a new direction in their ministering the Gospel. For before when they made disciples at Antioch, they stayed there for almost two years discipling them, but now Paul has realized that his mission and focus must be greater than ministering the Gospel to just a single congregation of believers. Paul then will now do the work of an evangelist, while committing those who believe in the Lord through his preaching to local elders and Pastors. His work though in discipling brethren though will not end, but will in fact now come through his epistles which again the Lord will create the circumstances where that ministry will grow and flourish as his time as His traveling evangelist winds down. Therefore, in every circumstance of our lives, even those negative circumstances, the Lord has plans for us, and so if we remain faithful to Him, we will see Him fulfill them! 

Vs. 24-26 ²⁴ And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. ²⁵ Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. ²⁶ From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. 

Having then gone through all the region of Pisidia and preached the Gospel in its major cities and all the places wherever the Holy Spirit led them to go, the Apostles Paul and Barnabas now come to Pamphylia, a Roman Province that equates with modern day Turkey, whose capital city was Perga. And so, it was when they had preached the Gospel there, they went down to Attalia which was a port city on the southwest coast of Pamphylia. From there they then sailed back to Antioch and the church there, “where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.” ^{Vs. 26} 

Vs. 27-28 ²⁷ Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ So they stayed there a long time with the disciples. 

Upon the Apostles Paul and Barnabas’ return to the church at Antioch they reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, and thus reached many Gentiles with the Gospel through them (vs. 27). And so, it was through two ordinary faith-filled men God accomplished some extraordinary things. Now the Apostles Paul and Barnabas when they returned to Antioch, they stayed there with the disciples a long-time, during which time their service would’ve been directed towards establishing the church there, though preaching and teaching and through whatever other kinds of service they could render to the brethren that would do so. For that was always their ongoing concern and battle, that Christ’s’ disciples not be led astray by those who wanted to turn the Gospel of God’s grace into works and merit, or those who wanted to turn the Gospel of God’s grace into a license for sin. And so, we will see this battle first play out at Antioch.  

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Additional Resources Consulted

^[1] Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row and Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). In Harper’s Bible dictionary (1st ed., p. 416). San Francisco: Harper & Row.