King James Version

What Does Acts 14:27 Mean?

Acts 14:27 in the King James Version says “And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how h... — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Acts 14:27 · KJV


Context

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.

27

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28

And there they abode long time with the disciples.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The missionaries' report upon returning emphasized 'how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles,' attributing success to God's action. The metaphor of God 'opening the door' shows divine initiative in creating gospel opportunities. Their rehearsal of 'all that God had done with them' demonstrates accountability and partnership with the sending church.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Returning to Antioch (AD 49) after the first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas reported to the sending church, establishing pattern for missionary accountability. Their emphasis on the 'door of faith' for Gentiles prepared the church for upcoming debates resolved at the Jerusalem Council.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as the one who 'opens doors' shape missionary attitude and practice?
  2. Why is reporting and accountability to sending churches important for missionary work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
παραγενόμενοι1 of 20

when they were come

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

δὲ2 of 20

And

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 20

and

G2532

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

συναγαγόντες4 of 20

had gathered

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

τὴν5 of 20
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίαν6 of 20

the church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

ἀνήγγειλάν7 of 20

they rehearsed

G312

to announce (in detail)

ὅσα8 of 20

all

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐποίησεν9 of 20

had done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

10 of 20
G3588

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

θεὸς11 of 20

that God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μετ'12 of 20

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῶν13 of 20

them

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

καὶ14 of 20

and

G2532

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

ὅτι15 of 20

how

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤνοιξεν16 of 20

he had opened

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

τοῖς17 of 20
G3588

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

ἔθνεσιν18 of 20

unto the Gentiles

G1484

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

θύραν19 of 20

the door

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

πίστεως20 of 20

of faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ


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 14:27 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 14:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study