Acts 14:1
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)
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What's easily missed is that the "Greeks" who believed were likely Gentiles attending the Jewish synagogue, probably as "proselytes of the gate," meaning they were already showing interest in Judaism. This highlights Paul and Barnabas' strategy of starting with the Jewish community but also reaching out to those on the fringes of faith who understood Greek.
Just driven out of Antioch by hostile Jews, Paul and Barnabas immediately seek out the Jewish synagogue in the next city, Iconium. Their powerful preaching leads to a significant number of both Jews and Gentile Greeks (likely proselytes) believing the message. This chapter marks a turning point as Paul becomes the primary focus, though the narrative still highlights the initial strategy of reaching Jews first before Gentiles.
Paul and Barnabas didn't go their separate ways after facing opposition. What does their 'togetherness' reveal about their ministry?
In Iconium, Luke highlights that Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue "both together." This wasn't just a casual mention; it emphasizes their unified approach.
The message wasn't just for one group. How did Paul and Barnabas connect with such diverse people?
The verse notes that "a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed." This shows the expansive reach of their message:
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.
This verse captures a pivotal moment where Paul and Barnabas, having faced persecution, continue their ministry by entering a Jewish synagogue in Iconium. Their success in reaching both Jews and Gentiles highlights the expansion of the Gospel message beyond its initial Jewish context, even amidst ongoing opposition.
c. AD 47
Paul and Barnabas Begin First Missionary Journey
Sent out by the Holy Spirit from Antioch, Paul and Barnabas embark on their first major mission, initially focusing on Jewish communities in Cyprus and Asia Minor.
c. AD 47-48
Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia
After facing opposition in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas are forced to leave the city.
c. AD 48— this verse
Flight to Iconium
Following their expulsion from Antioch of Pisidia due to Jewish hostility, Paul and Barnabas retreat to Iconium, a major city about sixty miles southeast.
c. AD 48
Stoning of Paul in Lystra
After further persecution in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra, where Paul is famously stoned and left for dead.
This passage highlights how faith comes through hearing the message of Christ, directly connecting to how the preaching of Paul and Barnabas led to belief in Acts 14:1.
Acts 13:44-48This immediately preceding account shows a similar pattern where Paul preached to Jews and Gentiles, leading to belief among many, demonstrating this was a recurring theme in their ministry.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24This passage speaks to the 'foolishness' of the cross being the 'power of God' to those who believe, reflecting how the message spoken by Paul and Barnabas resonated deeply with both Jews and Greeks, leading to faith.
Galatians 3:28This verse emphasizes the unity in Christ, transcending divisions of Jew and Greek, which aligns with the outcome in Acts 14:1 where both groups believed together.
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…
What's easily missed is that the "Greeks" who believed were likely Gentiles attending the Jewish synagogue, probably as "proselytes of the gate," meaning they were already showing interest in Judaism. This highlights Paul and Barnabas' strategy of starting with the Jewish community but also reaching out to those on the fringes of faith who understood Greek.
Just driven out of Antioch by hostile Jews, Paul and Barnabas immediately seek out the Jewish synagogue in the next city, Iconium. Their powerful preaching leads to a significant number of both Jews and Gentile Greeks (likely proselytes) believing the message. This chapter marks a turning point as Paul becomes the primary focus, though the narrative still highlights the initial strategy of reaching Jews first before Gentiles.
Just driven out of Antioch by hostile Jews, Paul and Barnabas immediately seek out the Jewish synagogue in the next city, Iconium. Their powerful preaching leads to a significant number of both Jews and Gentile Greeks (likely proselytes) believing the message. This chapter marks a turning point as Paul becomes the primary focus, though the narrative still highlights the initial strategy of reaching Jews first before Gentiles.
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c. AD 48
Return Journey and Church Establishment
Paul and Barnabas travel back through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, strengthening the new churches and ordaining elders before returning to Antioch.
"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." — What's easily missed is that the "Greeks" who believed were likely Gentiles attending the Jewish synagogue, probably as "proselytes of the gate," meaning they were already showing interest in Judaism…
