King James Version

What Does Acts 14:19 Mean?

Acts 14:19 in the King James Version says “And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew hi... — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Acts 14:19 · KJV


Context

17

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18

And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

19

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

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.

21

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, had taught many: Gr. had made many disciples


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The shocking reversal - from attempted worship (verse 18) to stoning Paul - demonstrates crowd volatility and the opposition's influence. Jews from Antioch and Iconium traveled significant distances to oppose Paul, showing determined resistance to the gospel. Paul's survival after stoning (they 'supposed he had been dead') demonstrates either divine protection or remarkable resilience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stoning was the Jewish method of execution, indicating Jewish instigation even in this Gentile city (Lystra). That Paul survived and continued ministry shows extraordinary physical and spiritual resilience under divine protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when public opinion swings dramatically from acceptance to hostility?
  2. What does Paul's survival and immediate return to ministry teach about perseverance under extreme opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ἐπῆλθον1 of 22

there came thither

G1904

to supervene, i.e., arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence

δὲ2 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀπὸ3 of 22

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἀντιοχείας4 of 22

Antioch

G490

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria

καὶ5 of 22

and

G2532

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

Ἰκονίου6 of 22

Iconium

G2430

image-like; iconium, a place in asia minor

Ἰουδαῖοι7 of 22

certain Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ8 of 22

and

G2532

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

πείσαντες9 of 22

persuaded

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

τοὺς10 of 22
G3588

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

ὄχλους11 of 22

the people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

καὶ12 of 22

and

G2532

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

λιθάσαντες13 of 22

having stoned

G3034

to lapidate

τὸν14 of 22
G3588

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

Παῦλον15 of 22

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἔσυρον16 of 22

drew

G4951

to trail

ἔξω17 of 22

him out of

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

τῆς18 of 22
G3588

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

πόλεως19 of 22

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

νομίσαντες20 of 22

supposing

G3543

properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard

αὐτὸν21 of 22

he

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

τεθνάναι22 of 22

had been dead

G2348

to die (literally or figuratively)


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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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