Acts 14:5
When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss here is that the "assault" wasn't necessarily a physical attack yet, but a surge of intense hostility and plotting. The Greek word used suggests a "violent impulse" or "onset" that was brewing, driven by both Jewish and Gentile leaders, aiming to insult and then kill Paul and Barnabas. This powerful push, though not yet a full-blown riot, was a clear and present danger that they wisely heeded.
In the city of Iconium, a violent opposition arises against Paul and Barnabas, fueled by both the Gentile population and the Jewish leaders. This hostility escalates into a dangerous mob intent on public humiliation and deadly violence, forcing the apostles to flee for their lives. They escape to the region of Lycaonia, where they continue to preach the gospel despite the danger.
Imagine bitter enemies, usually at each other's throats, suddenly joining forces. That's exactly what happened when Paul and Barnabas preached.
It's striking to see both Gentiles and Jews, along with their rulers, united in their opposition to the apostles.
Bridging Divides for Persecution
Normally, Jewish and Gentile communities had significant friction. Yet, when faced with the spread of the Gospel, they put aside their differences. This shows how powerful the perceived threat of the apostles' message was.
It wasn't just a small group either; 'their rulers' were involved, indicating an organized effort to silence Paul and Barnabas. This wasn't random violence, but a deliberate attempt to stop the spread of Christianity.
The attackers didn't just want to hurt Paul and Barnabas; their intentions were deeply malicious and aimed at complete destruction.
The verse specifies two actions: 'to use them despitefully' and 'to stone them'.
Public Humiliation and Violent Death
'To use them despitefully' speaks to public insult, shame, and outrage – an attempt to strip them of their dignity and discredit their message. It's about making them look like criminals or fools.
'To stone them' was a brutal form of execution, often associated with severe religious offenses like blasphemy in Jewish law. This shows the ultimate goal was not just to silence them but to kill them, portraying their teachings as dangerous heresy.
When faced with a deadly mob, what's the right response for God's messengers?
While the apostles were courageous and steadfast, they weren't foolish or suicidal. When they learned of the plot, they wisely fled.
Following Jesus' Guidance
Understand the original words
hybrisai · Greek Verb
To inflict physical harm, abuse, or violence upon someone, often due to religious or ideological opposition.
lithobolēsai · Greek Verb
A form of capital punishment involving throwing stones at the condemned until death; a method of execution historically associated with religious offenses under Mosaic Law.
The verse highlights the volatile mix of religious and social tensions in Roman Asia Minor, where Jewish leaders, despite their own conflicts with paganism, would unite with Gentiles to persecute early Christians.
c. AD 47-48
First Missionary Journey Begins
Paul and Barnabas embark on their first major mission, traveling through Asia Minor and establishing churches.
c. AD 48
Preaching and Division in Iconium
Paul and Barnabas preach boldly in Iconium, leading many Jews and Gentiles to believe, but also inciting opposition from unbelieving Jews.
c. AD 48— this verse
Assault Planned in Iconium
A violent mob, instigated by both Jewish and Gentile leaders, forms with the intent to abuse and stone Paul and Barnabas.
c. AD 48
Escape to Lystra and Derbe
Forewarned of the plot, Paul and Barnabas flee Iconium, seeking refuge and continuing their ministry in the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe.
c. AD 48
This passage directly echoes the experience mentioned here, with Paul recounting being stoned, a specific detail that aligns with the threat described in Acts 14:5 and later fulfilled in Acts 14:19.
Matthew 10:23Jesus warns his disciples that they will be persecuted and driven from city to city, a directive that Paul and Barnabas follow by fleeing from Iconium, illustrating the practical application of Jesus' teaching in the face of violent opposition.
Acts 16:22-24This passage shows a similar violent reaction against Paul and Silas, including being beaten and thrown into prison, highlighting a recurring pattern of persecution faced by the apostles as they spread the Gospel.
1 Timothy 1:13Paul refers to his former actions as blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent, a reflection that resonates with the 'use them despitefully' aspect of the assault in Acts 14:5, showing his deep personal understanding of such mistreatment.
ellicottActs 14:5: "And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,"
(5) To use them despitefully. —The verb expresses wanton insult and outrage. St. Paul uses the noun derived from it to express the character of his own conduct as a persecutor ( 1Timothy 1:13 ), and must have felt, as afterwards in the actual stoning of Acts 14:19 , that he was receiving the just reward of his own deeds.
bensonActs 14:5: "And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,"
Acts 14:5-7 . And when there was an assault made — Or was about to be made; both of the Gentiles, and the Jews — Who, though generally at enmity with one another, yet were united against the Christians, as Herod and Pontius Pilate, the Pharisees and Sadducees, against Christ. If the churches enemies can unite for its destruction, shall not it…
What's easy to miss here is that the "assault" wasn't necessarily a physical attack yet, but a surge of intense hostility and plotting. The Greek word used suggests a "violent impulse" or "onset" that was brewing, driven by both Jewish and Gentile leaders, aiming to insult and then kill Paul and Barnabas. This powerful push, though not yet a full-blown riot, was a clear and present danger that they wisely heeded.
In the city of Iconium, a violent opposition arises against Paul and Barnabas, fueled by both the Gentile population and the Jewish leaders. This hostility escalates into a dangerous mob intent on public humiliation and deadly violence, forcing the apostles to flee for their lives. They escape to the region of Lycaonia, where they continue to preach the gospel despite the danger.
In the city of Iconium, a violent opposition arises against Paul and Barnabas, fueled by both the Gentile population and the Jewish leaders. This hostility escalates into a dangerous mob intent on public humiliation and deadly violence, forcing the apostles to flee for their lives. They escape to the region of Lycaonia, where they continue to preach the gospel despite the danger.
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This action aligns with Jesus' own instruction: 'When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next' (Matthew 10:23). God equips His servants with power for miracles and proclaiming His Word, but not always with immunity from physical harm.
Their escape wasn't a sign of cowardice or a lack of faith. Instead, it was a strategic move to preserve their lives so they could continue their mission elsewhere. God's work often requires wisdom and discernment alongside boldness.
Healing in Lystra
In Lystra, Paul miraculously heals a man lame from birth, leading the pagan populace to mistake him and Barnabas for gods.
c. AD 48
Stoning of Paul in Lystra
Following the incident with the healed man, hostile Jews arrive from Iconium and Antioch, inciting the crowds to stone Paul, leaving him for dead.
"When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them," — What's easy to miss here is that the "assault" wasn't necessarily a physical attack yet, but a surge of intense hostility and plotting. The Greek word used suggests a "violent impulse" or "onset" tha…
