King James Version

What Does Acts 14:3 Mean?

Acts 14:3 in the King James Version says “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted... — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 14:3 · 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.

5

And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord—The Greek parrhēsiazomenoi (speaking boldly) describes fearless, frank speech despite opposition, a term repeatedly used in Acts for Spirit-empowered witness under pressure. The phrase in the Lord shows their boldness derived from union with Christ, not personal courage. The Lord's response—granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands—authenticated their message with divine credentials. These sēmeia kai terata (signs and wonders) validated apostolic authority, demonstrating that God endorsed their controversial gospel.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'long time' (Greek hikanon chronon) suggests months of sustained ministry despite mounting opposition. The combination of bold preaching and miraculous confirmation paralleled Jesus' own ministry pattern and fulfilled His promise in Mark 16:20.

Reflection Questions

  1. What enables 'speaking boldly in the Lord' when circumstances demand silence or compromise?
  2. How do you discern when to persist in hostile environments versus when to withdraw to more receptive fields?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἱκανὸν1 of 26

Long

G2425

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

μὲν2 of 26

therefore

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν3 of 26
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

χρόνον4 of 26

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

διέτριψαν5 of 26

abode they

G1304

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

παῤῥησιαζόμενοι6 of 26

speaking boldly

G3955

to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor

ἐπὶ7 of 26

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν8 of 26

which

G3588

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

κυρίῳ9 of 26

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τῶν10 of 26

which

G3588

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

μαρτυροῦντι11 of 26

gave testimony

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

τῶν12 of 26

which

G3588

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

λόγῳ13 of 26

unto the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῶν14 of 26

which

G3588

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

χάριτος15 of 26

grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

αὐτῶν16 of 26

their

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

καὶ17 of 26

and

G2532

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

διδόντι18 of 26

granted

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

σημεῖα19 of 26

signs

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

καὶ20 of 26

and

G2532

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

τέρατα21 of 26

wonders

G5059

a prodigy or omen

γίνεσθαι22 of 26

to be done

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

διὰ23 of 26

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῶν24 of 26

which

G3588

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

χειρῶν25 of 26

hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῶν26 of 26

their

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


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 14:3 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 14:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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