King James Version

What Does Acts 14:2 Mean?

Acts 14:2 in the King James Version says “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 14:2 · 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.

4

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

Read Acts 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles—The Greek ēgeiran (stirred up) suggests deliberate agitation, arousing latent hostility. Made their minds evil affected translates ekakōsan tas psychas (poisoned the souls), depicting systematic corruption of attitudes through slander. This reveals how religious opposition weaponizes community sentiment against Christ's witnesses. The 'unbelieving Jews' (hoi apeithēsantes Ioudaioi—the disobedient Jews) shows unbelief as active rebellion, not passive doubt. Their tactics converted theological disagreement into civic persecution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Roman Asia Minor, Jews had legal protections and social influence. By portraying Paul and Barnabas as disturbers of peace threatening social stability, opponents could mobilize Roman authorities and pagan populations against the missionaries. This strategy reappeared throughout Acts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when opposition comes through manipulation of public opinion rather than direct confrontation?
  2. What does 'poisoned the souls' teach about the lasting damage of slander and how to combat it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οἱ1 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 14

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀπειθοῦντες3 of 14

“the unbelieving”

G544

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

Ἰουδαῖοι4 of 14

“Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἐπήγειραν5 of 14

“stirred up”

G1892

to rouse upon, i.e., (figuratively) to excite against

καὶ6 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ἐκάκωσαν7 of 14

“evil affected”

G2559

to injure; figuratively, to exasperate

τὰς8 of 14
G3588

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

ψυχὰς9 of 14

“their minds”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

τῶν10 of 14
G3588

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

ἐθνῶν11 of 14

“the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

κατὰ12 of 14

“against”

G2596

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

τῶν13 of 14
G3588

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

ἀδελφῶν14 of 14

“the brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

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 14:2 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 14:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 13:50Acts 17:5Acts 21:27-30Acts 13:45Acts 14:19Acts 17:13

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