King James Version

What Does Acts 14:28 Mean?

Acts 14:28 in the King James Version says “And there they abode long time with the disciples.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And there they abode long time with the disciples.”

Acts 14:28 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there they abode long time with the disciples—After completing their first missionary journey (Acts 13-14), Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch (διέτριβον, dietribon, 'they spent time') with the church that had originally commissioned them. This extended stay (χρόνον οὐκ ὀλίγον, chronon ouk oligon, 'not a little time'—likely a year or more) was strategic: it allowed them to disciple new believers, strengthen the church, and report on God's work among the Gentiles.

This verse bridges the end of the first missionary journey with the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where the issue of Gentile salvation without circumcision would be definitively addressed. The phrase emphasizes the importance of remaining with disciples after evangelism—church planting was never merely about conversions, but about establishing mature communities of faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This takes place around AD 49 in Syrian Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire and the first major center of Gentile Christianity. Paul and Barnabas had just returned from their groundbreaking mission to Cyprus and Asia Minor (modern Turkey), during which they faced persecution but saw many Gentiles come to faith. The extended stay in Antioch set the stage for the Jerusalem Council that would determine the future of Gentile inclusion in the church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul and Barnabas's decision to 'abode long time' challenge modern missions strategies that prioritize rapid expansion over deep discipleship?
  2. What role does accountability to a sending church (Antioch) play in maintaining healthy missionary work?
  3. In what ways might you be tempted to move on to new ministries before adequately consolidating and discipling those you've already reached?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
διέτριβον1 of 9

“they abode”

G1304

to wear through (time), i.e., remain

δὲ2 of 9

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐκεῖ3 of 9

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

χρόνον4 of 9

“time”

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

οὐκ5 of 9

“long”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὀλίγον6 of 9
G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

σὺν7 of 9

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τοῖς8 of 9
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς9 of 9

“the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

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 14:28 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 14:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 11:26Acts 15:35

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