King James Version

What Does Acts 14:21 Mean?

Acts 14:21 in the King James Version says “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 14:21 · KJV


Context

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

22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many (εὐαγγελισάμενοί τε τὴν πόλιν ἐκείνην καὶ μαθητεύσαντες ἱκανούς)—The verb mathēteuō (made disciples) indicates successful gospel work in Derbe despite recent persecution. Then they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch—this requires careful attention. Paul intentionally revisited cities where he'd faced violence, strengthening new believers at personal risk.

This return journey demonstrates apostolic priorities: establishing converts mattered more than personal safety. The geographical backtracking through hostile territory reveals Paul's pastoral heart, refusing to abandon new disciples to navigate persecution alone. This pattern of return visits became standard Pauline practice (Acts 15:36, 18:23).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Derbe was the easternmost point of Paul's first missionary journey. Rather than continuing east toward his home region (Tarsus in Cilicia), Paul retraced dangerous steps westward to strengthen infant churches. This decision risked further violence but prioritized discipleship over convenience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's return to dangerous cities challenge comfort-seeking patterns in modern ministry?
  2. What does the distinction between 'preaching' and 'making disciples' teach about gospel work's true completion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Εὐαγγελισάμενοί1 of 16

when they had preached the gospel

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

τε2 of 16

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τὴν3 of 16
G3588

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

πόλιν4 of 16

city

G4172

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

ἐκείνην5 of 16

to that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

καὶ6 of 16

and

G2532

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

μαθητεύσαντες7 of 16

had taught

G3100

intransitively, to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e., enrol as scholar

ἱκανοὺς8 of 16

many

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

ὑπέστρεψαν9 of 16

they returned again

G5290

to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

εἰς10 of 16

to

G1519

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

τὴν11 of 16
G3588

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

Λύστραν12 of 16

Lystra

G3082

lystra, a place in asia minor

καὶ13 of 16

and

G2532

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

Ἰκόνιον14 of 16

to Iconium

G2430

image-like; iconium, a place in asia minor

καὶ15 of 16

and

G2532

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

Ἀντιόχειαν16 of 16

Antioch

G490

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria


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 14:21 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 14:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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