But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights the incredible faith of the disciples, who braved danger to gather around Paul, likely preparing for his burial. What's truly stunning is Paul's immediate recovery and decision to re-enter the city, a powerful, almost resurrection-like display of God's power that surely solidified the faith of those new believers.
But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Paul was violently stoned and dragged out of the city, the disciples gathered around him, likely thinking he was dead and preparing for his burial. To their astonishment and the glory of God, Paul miraculously rose up and returned to the city, then the next day, he and Barnabas journeyed on to Derbe. This astonishing recovery served as a powerful confirmation of their faith in the face of intense persecution.
When the mob turned violent and Paul was left for dead, who stayed behind? What does their courageous presence reveal about the early church?
A Circle of Devotion
It's a powerful scene: the crowd has dispersed, leaving Paul seemingly lifeless. But a small group, the 'disciples,' doesn't flee. They gather around him, their hearts heavy with grief, perhaps preparing for a burial.
This wasn't a safe place to be. The same mob that attacked Paul could easily turn on anyone showing him loyalty. Yet, these believers stayed.
This faithfulness, even in the face of death, is a testament to the solid ground on which the early church was built.
Paul rises from what looked like death and walks back into the city. Was this a natural recovery, or something more profound?
Miraculous Vindication
The text says, 'he rose up.' This wasn't a slow, groggy awakening. The scholars suggest this act had the weight of a resurrection, a clear sign of divine intervention.
Ask a follow-up
After such a brutal attack, why the urgency to travel to Derbe the very next day? What fueled this relentless mission?
Unstoppable Mission
The journey to Derbe the very next day, despite the previous day's trauma, speaks volumes about the apostles' commitment.
Understand the original words
mathētai · Greek Noun
A learner or follower of Jesus; one who identifies with His teachings and lifestyle, characterized by adherence to His commands and community with other believers.
The immediate, miraculous recovery and onward journey to Derbe powerfully demonstrated the resilient, divine power at work through Paul, confirming the faith of new believers amidst intense persecution.
c. AD 47-48
First Missionary Journey Begins
Paul and Barnabas embark on their first major evangelistic tour, sent out by the church in Antioch.
c. AD 48
Arrival in Lystra
Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel in Lystra, a Roman city in the region of Lycaonia. Paul miraculously heals a man who had been lame from birth.
c. AD 48— this verse
Riot and Stoning in Lystra
Following the healing miracle, Paul and Barnabas are mistakenly hailed as gods by the local populace. When Jewish opponents arrive and incite the crowd, Paul is violently stoned and dragged out of the city, presumed dead.
c. AD 48
Departure for Derbe
After miraculously reviving, Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, immediately travels to the nearby city of Derbe, likely to continue their ministry.
c. AD 48
Ministry in Derbe
The apostles preach in Derbe, winning many disciples before beginning their return journey.
c. AD 49
Return to Antioch
Paul and Barnabas complete their journey, returning to Antioch and reporting to the church about their mission and the Gentiles who had believed.
This passage directly echoes the suffering Paul endured in Acts 14:19, highlighting his repeated experiences of being beaten and stoned, which provides context for his miraculous recovery and continued journey.
2 Timothy 3:10-11This passage, written by Paul himself, reflects on his personal experiences of persecution and hardship, including the stoning at Lystra, which reinforces the incredible resilience seen in Acts 14:20.
Philippians 3:10Paul's desire to know Christ includes 'the fellowship of his sufferings,' which directly relates to the violent events described in Acts 14:19-20 and his subsequent perseverance.
Hebrews 11:36-37This chapter lists those who faced severe persecution and hardship for their faith, providing a broader biblical narrative of suffering for righteousness' sake that Paul's experience in Acts exemplifies.
ellicottActs 14:20: "Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe."
(20) Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him. —They, it is obvious, had been powerless to prevent the attack; but they stole out, when all was over, it may be, with the purpose of giving at least a decent interment. We may fairly think of Lois, and Eunice, and Timotheus, as present in that crowd, weeping first for sorrow, and then for ex…
cambridgeActs 14:20: "Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe."
20 . as the disciples stood round about him ] Among these we may well believe that the young Timothy was included. Braving all danger that might attend on their act, the believers at Lystra gathered about what they deemed the corpse of their teacher, and their sorrowing thoughts were perhaps concerned how they might procure it reverent burial. h…
The verse highlights the incredible faith of the disciples, who braved danger to gather around Paul, likely preparing for his burial. What's truly stunning is Paul's immediate recovery and decision to re-enter the city, a powerful, almost resurrection-like display of God's power that surely solidified the faith of those new believers.
After Paul was violently stoned and dragged out of the city, the disciples gathered around him, likely thinking he was dead and preparing for his burial. To their astonishment and the glory of God, Paul miraculously rose up and returned to the city, then the next day, he and Barnabas journeyed on to Derbe. This astonishing recovery served as a powerful confirmation of their faith in the face of intense persecution.
After Paul was violently stoned and dragged out of the city, the disciples gathered around him, likely thinking he was dead and preparing for his burial. To their astonishment and the glory of God, Paul miraculously rose up and returned to the city, then the next day, he and Barnabas journeyed on to Derbe. This astonishing recovery served as a powerful confirmation of their faith in the face of intense persecution.
"But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe." — The verse highlights the incredible faith of the disciples, who braved danger to gather around Paul, likely preparing for his burial. What's truly stunning is Paul's immediate recovery and decision t…
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Last reviewed October 2026