Acts 14:1 - In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
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What does "Acts 14:1" mean?
Acts 14:1 describes Paul and Barnabas's ministry in the city of Iconium. Let's break down the meaning:
"In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews...": Iconium was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul and Barnabas followed their usual practice of going to the local Jewish synagogue first when they arrived in a new city. Synagogues served as community centers for Jewish people and a place where they discussed and worshipped. This was a strategic move, as the synagogue provided a familiar audience with a shared religious background and knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures.
"...and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.": Paul and Barnabas preached with such power, clarity, and persuasiveness about Jesus Christ (implied, as this is their ongoing mission in Acts) that a significant number of people, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), were convinced and accepted their message, becoming believers in Jesus.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Paul and Barnabas's Strategy: Their consistent approach of starting their mission in Jewish synagogues.
The Power of Their Preaching: Their words had a profound impact, leading to conversions.
The Expanding Reach of the Gospel: The message was not just for Jews; it was attracting Gentiles ("Greeks") as well.
The verse demonstrates the early church's efforts to spread the gospel to both Jewish and Gentile communities. The fact that "a great multitude" believed emphasizes the effectiveness of Paul and Barnabas's ministry at this particular time and location. However, as the subsequent verses in Acts 14 show, this success was often met with opposition and persecution.
Acts 14:1 - In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
What does "Acts 14:1" mean?
Acts 14:1 describes Paul and Barnabas's ministry in the city of Iconium. Let's break down the meaning:
"In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews...": Iconium was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul and Barnabas followed their usual practice of going to the local Jewish synagogue first when they arrived in a new city. Synagogues served as community centers for Jewish people and a place where they discussed and worshipped. This was a strategic move, as the synagogue provided a familiar audience with a shared religious background and knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures.
"...and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.": Paul and Barnabas preached with such power, clarity, and persuasiveness about Jesus Christ (implied, as this is their ongoing mission in Acts) that a significant number of people, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), were convinced and accepted their message, becoming believers in Jesus.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Paul and Barnabas's Strategy: Their consistent approach of starting their mission in Jewish synagogues.
The Power of Their Preaching: Their words had a profound impact, leading to conversions.
The Expanding Reach of the Gospel: The message was not just for Jews; it was attracting Gentiles ("Greeks") as well.
The verse demonstrates the early church's efforts to spread the gospel to both Jewish and Gentile communities. The fact that "a great multitude" believed emphasizes the effectiveness of Paul and Barnabas's ministry at this particular time and location. However, as the subsequent verses in Acts 14 show, this success was often met with opposition and persecution.