14:1 And 1 it came to pass in a 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.
(1) We should be no less constant in the preaching of the
Gospel than the perversity of the wicked is obstinate in
persecuting it.
(a) Iconium was a city of Lycaonia.
14:2 But the b unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and
made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
(b) Who did not obey the doctrine.
14:32 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.
(2) We should not leave our places and give in to threatenings,
or to open rage, but only when there is no other remedy,
and that not for our own peace and quiet, but only so that
the Gospel may be spread further abroad.
14:6 They were ware of [it], and c fled unto Lystra and Derbe,
cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round
about:
(c) It is sometimes proper to flee dangers, at the
appropriate times.
14:83 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his
feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had
walked:
(3) It is an old subtlety of the devil, either to cause the
faithful servants of God to be immediately banished, or to
be worshipped as idols: and he does this by taking occasion
of miracles which they have done.
14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city,
brought oxen and garlands unto the d gates, and would
have done sacrifice with the people.
(d) Of the house where Paul and Barnabas were.
14:154 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are
men of e like passions with you, and preach unto you
that ye should turn from these f vanities unto the
living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
all things that are therein:
(4) That is also called idolatry which gives to creatures, be
they ever so holy and excellent, that which is proper to
the only One God, that is, invocation, or calling upon.
(e) Men, as you are, and partakers of the very same nature
of man as you are.
(f) He calls idols "vanities", after the manner of the
Hebrews.
14:165 Who in times past g suffered all nations to walk in
their own ways.
(5) Custom, be it ever so old, does not excuse the idolaters.
(g) Allowed them to live as they wished, prescribing and
appointing them no type of religion.
14:196 And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and
Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned
Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been
dead.
(6) The devil, when he is brought to his last chance, at length
rages openly, but in vain, even at that time when he seems
to have the upper hand.
14:217 And when they had preached the gospel to that city,
and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and
[to] Iconium, and Antioch,
(7) We must go forward in our calling through a thousand
deaths.
14:228 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.
(8) It is the office of the ministers, not only to teach, but
also to confirm those that are taught, and prepare them for
the cross.
14:239 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.
(9) The apostles committed the churches which they had planted
to proper and special pastors, who they appointed not
rashly, but with prayers and fastings preceding their
choice: neither did they thrust them upon churches through
bribery, or lordly superiority, but chose and placed them
by the voice of the congregation.
14:2410 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they
came to Pamphylia.
(10) Paul and Barnabas, having completed their journey, and
having returned to Antioch, give an account of their
journey to the congregation or church.
14:25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down
into h Attalia:
(h) Attalia was a sea city of Pamphylia, near to Lycia.
14:26 And thence sailed to i Antioch, from whence they had
been recommended to the grace of God for the work which
they fulfilled.
