King James Version

What Does Acts 14:1 Mean?

Acts 14:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 14:1 · KJV


Context

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.

2

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

3

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They went both together into the synagogue—Paul and Barnabas maintained their pattern of synagogue evangelism, demonstrating continuity between Judaism and Christianity. The phrase so spake (Greek lalēsai houtōs) emphasizes rhetorical power and Spirit-anointed persuasiveness, not mere eloquence. The result—a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed—shows the gospel transcending ethnic barriers. The 'Greeks' (Ἑλλήνων) were God-fearing Gentiles already attached to the synagogue, prepared by monotheism for Messiah's claims.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Iconium (modern Konya, Turkey) was a prosperous Phrygian city on Paul's first missionary journey (circa AD 47-48). Its synagogue had a substantial God-fearing Gentile constituency. This mixed response—Jewish and Greek converts alongside Jewish opposition—typified Paul's ministry pattern throughout Acts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'so spake' challenge you to depend on the Spirit's power rather than human persuasion techniques?
  2. What barriers between ethnic or social groups does the gospel break down in your church community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Ἐγένετο1 of 25

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἰκονίῳ4 of 25

Iconium

G2430

image-like; iconium, a place in asia minor

κατὰ5 of 25

both

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ6 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτοὺς7 of 25

together

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰσελθεῖν8 of 25

that they went

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοὺς9 of 25

together

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς10 of 25

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν11 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συναγωγὴν12 of 25

the synagogue

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

τῶν13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίων14 of 25

of the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ15 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λαλῆσαι16 of 25

spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

οὕτως17 of 25

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ὥστε18 of 25

that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

πιστεῦσαι19 of 25

believed

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

Ἰουδαίων20 of 25

of the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

τε21 of 25

both

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ22 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἑλλήνων23 of 25

of the Greeks

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

πολὺ24 of 25

a great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

πλῆθος25 of 25

multitude

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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