Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas "went both together into the synagogue," suggesting their unified approach and shared mission. The impact was profound: "a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed," revealing how their harmonious witness bridged ethnic and religious divides.
Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having been driven out of Antioch by persecution, Paul and Barnabas travel to Iconium, a major city, where they continue their pattern of first going to the Jewish synagogue to share the message. Their powerful preaching results in many people, both Jews and Gentiles who were likely "proselytes of the gate," believing the Good News.
Paul and Barnabas, fresh from facing opposition, immediately head into the local synagogue. But who exactly is listening?
Beyond the Expected Listeners
When Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue in Iconium, their primary audience was the Jewish community. However, the text explicitly mentions that "a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed." This 'Greeks' likely refers to Gentiles, specifically 'Gentile proselytes' or 'proselytes of the gate.' These were non-Jews who had shown an interest in Judaism, perhaps adopting some of its practices and beliefs without full conversion (like circumcision).
This shows a strategic approach:
The text says they "spoke in such a way" that many believed. What made their message so effective in Iconium?
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The Dual Force of Word and Spirit
The success in Iconium wasn't just about eloquent speaking; it was about the way they spoke, coupled with God's power.
The Message Itself:
The Divine Enablement:
This verse reminds us that effective evangelism isn't solely reliant on human skill but on faithfully delivering God's message, empowered by His Spirit.
Understand the original words
synagōgē · Greek Noun
A house of prayer and study for Jews, serving as the central place for communal worship and teaching in the diaspora.
Hellēsin · Greek Noun
Non-Jewish people; those outside the covenant community of Israel. In the New Testament, it refers to all people groups other than the Jews.
episteusan · Greek Verb
To place one's trust, confidence, and reliance in God or Christ for salvation. In the NT, it is the fundamental response of faith to the gospel message.
c. AD 47
Council of Jerusalem Convenes
A pivotal meeting where early church leaders debated and decided whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, ultimately affirming salvation by grace through faith.
c. AD 47-48
First Missionary Journey Begins
Paul and Barnabas are commissioned by the church in Antioch and set out to spread the gospel, initially focusing on Jewish communities in Asia Minor.
c. AD 47
Expulsion from Antioch of Pisidia
After a significant ministry and numerous conversions, Paul and Barnabas are driven out of Antioch by hostile Jewish leaders who incite persecution.
c. AD 47— this verse
Arrival in Iconium
Forced to flee Antioch, Paul and Barnabas arrive in the city of Iconium, a major center in Phrygia, where they continue their mission.
c. AD 48
Flight from Iconium
Jewish opposition and a plot to stone them compel Paul and Barnabas to escape from Iconium to the region of Lycaonia.
c. AD 48
Return Journey and Church Organization
After ministering in Lystra and Derbe, Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps, strengthening the new believers and ordaining elders in each city.
This verse highlights the essential connection between hearing the message and believing, directly paralleling the outcome in Acts 14:1 where speaking led to belief.
Acts 13:46This passage shows Paul and Barnabas turning to the Gentiles after being rejected by the Jews, which contrasts with Acts 14:1 where a multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed together in the synagogue.
1 Corinthians 1:23This verse speaks of Christ crucified as a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, yet as the power and wisdom of God, reflecting the varied reception Paul and Barnabas encountered, including the belief of both groups in Iconium.
Galatians 3:28This passage declares there is no longer Jew or Greek in Christ, emphasizing unity in the body of believers, which resonates with the mixed multitude of Jews and Greeks finding faith together in Acts 14:1.
ellicottActs 14:1: "And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed."
XIV. (1) Both of the Jews and also of the Greeks.—The latter term is used in its wider sense, as in Mark 7:26 and elsewhere, as equivalent to Gentile, but it implies that those who were so described spoke and understood Greek. In the former instance these would probably be the “proselytes of the gate” who…
expositorsActs 14:1: "And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed."
-4 Chapter 9 ST. PAUL’S ORDINATION AND FIRST MISSIONARY TOUR. Acts 13:2-4 ; Acts 13:14 ; Acts 14:1 ; Acts 14:26 We have now arrived at what we might call the watershed of the Acts of the Apostles. Hitherto we have had very various scenes, characters, personages to consider. Henceforth St. Paul, his labour…
The verse emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas "went both together into the synagogue," suggesting their unified approach and shared mission. The impact was profound: "a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed," revealing how their harmonious witness bridged ethnic and religious divides.
Having been driven out of Antioch by persecution, Paul and Barnabas travel to Iconium, a major city, where they continue their pattern of first going to the Jewish synagogue to share the message. Their powerful preaching results in many people, both Jews and Gentiles who were likely "proselytes of the gate," believing the Good News.
Having been driven out of Antioch by persecution, Paul and Barnabas travel to Iconium, a major city, where they continue their pattern of first going to the Jewish synagogue to share the message. Their powerful preaching results in many people, both Jews and Gentiles who were likely "proselytes of the gate," believing the Good News.
"Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed." — The verse emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas "went both together into the synagogue," suggesting their unified approach and shared mission. The impact was profound: "a great multitude of both Jews and…
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Last reviewed October 2026