King James Version

What Does Acts 14:24 Mean?

Acts 14:24 in the King James Version says “And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

Acts 14:24 · KJV


Context

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.

24

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25

And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. Paul and Barnabas's return journey through Asia Minor demonstrates apostolic strategy: revisiting churches to strengthen disciples. The Greek dierchomai (διέρχομαι, "passed throughout") suggests thorough ministry, not mere transit. Pisidia was a rugged highland region where they'd faced persecution in Antioch (Acts 13:50-51). Rather than avoiding danger zones, they courageously retraced steps to consolidate gospel gains.

Pamphylia was a coastal region on the Mediterranean where John Mark had earlier abandoned the mission (Acts 13:13), a defection that would later cause sharp contention (Acts 15:36-40). The missionaries' return through these regions fulfilled Jesus' Great Commission pattern: preach, make disciples, establish churches. Their geographical movements reveal strategic gospel advance—penetrating inland highlands, then consolidating coastal areas, creating networks of Spirit-filled communities that would carry witness forward.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred during Paul's first missionary journey (circa AD 47-48). Pisidia's capital Antioch had witnessed both powerful gospel response and violent Jewish opposition. Pamphylia's major city Perga likely received renewed ministry on this return trip. Ancient Roman roads facilitated travel, though journeys were arduous and dangerous—bandits, wild animals, harsh terrain. The missionaries traveled on foot, relying on local hospitality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does apostolic courage to revisit hostile territories challenge your willingness to persevere where ministry proved difficult?
  2. What strategic principles can we discern from Paul's pattern of advance-consolidate-return in church planting?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
καὶ1 of 7

And

G2532

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

διελθόντες2 of 7

after they had passed throughout

G1330

to traverse (literally)

τὴν3 of 7
G3588

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

Πισιδίαν4 of 7

Pisidia

G4099

pisidia, a region of asia minor

ἦλθον5 of 7

they came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς6 of 7

to

G1519

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

Παμφυλίαν7 of 7

Pamphylia

G3828

every-tribal, i.e., heterogeneous (g5561 being implied); pamphylia, a region of asia minor


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 14:24 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 14:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study