Acts – Chapter 14

New Testament27 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spoke that a very great multitude both of…" — so begins Acts 14. The chapter centers on Paul and Barnabas. Across its 27 verses, two threads run through the text: faith and trust in God and prayer. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spoke that a very great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks did believe.

2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and incensed the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren.

3A long time therefore they abode there, dealing confidently in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4And the multitude of the city was divided. And some of them indeed held with the Jews, but some with the apostles.

5And when there was an assault made by the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to use them contumeliously and to stone them:

6They, understanding it, fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the whole country round about: and were there preaching the gospel.

7And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked.

8This same heard Paul speaking. Who looking upon him and seeing that he had faith to be healed,

9Said with a loud voice: Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked.

10And when the multitudes had seen what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice in the Lycaonian tongue, saying: The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

11And they called Barnabas, Jupiter: but Paul, Mercury: because he was chief speaker.

12The priest also of Jupiter that was before the city, bringing oxen and garlands before the gate, would have offered sacrifice with the people.

13Which, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul had heard, rending their clothes, they leaped out among the people, crying,

14And saying: Ye men, why do ye these things? We also are mortals, men like unto you, preaching to you to be converted from these vain things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all things that are in them:

15Who in times past, suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

16Nevertheless he left not himself without testimony, doing good from heaven, giving rains and fruitful Seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

17And speaking these things, they scarce restrained the people from sacrificing to them.

18Now there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium: and, persuading the multitude and stoning Paul, drew him out of the city, thinking him to be dead.

19But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up and entered into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

20And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch:

21Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

22And when they had ordained to them priests in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.

23And passing through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia.

24And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perge, they went down into Attalia.

25And thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been delivered to the grace of God, unto the work which they accomplished.

26And when they were come and had assembled the church, they related what great things God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

27And they abode no small time with the disciples.

Important Verses in Acts 14

A long time therefore they abode there, dealing confidently in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Acts 14:3

Nevertheless he left not himself without testimony, doing good from heaven, giving rains and fruitful Seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Acts 14:16

Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 14:21

And thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been delivered to the grace of God, unto the work which they accomplished.

Acts 14:25

Historical Context

Acts addresses the growing Church, shown its apostolic origins and missionary calling within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 14 of 28 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 27 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Paul and Barnabas appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spoke that a very great…" The final verse reads: "And they abode no small time with the disciples. " The wider setting of Acts is this: Acts narrates the Church's birth and expansion 'to the ends of the earth': Pentecost, the first community in Jerusalem, the martyrdom of Stephen, the conversion of Paul, the opening to the Gentiles, and Paul's… Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 80-90.

Who Wrote It

Luke, as the second volume of his work

When It Was Written

About AD 80-90

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Acts 14 presents a concrete episode in the history of the Church's mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. A pivotal line is verse 3: "A long time therefore they abode there, dealing confidently in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by…" The passage repeatedly touches on faith and trust in God.

Catholic exegesis reads Acts 14 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Acts shows the Church's apostolic foundation (CIC 857-862). St. Bede the Venerable and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1431).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.

People in This Chapter

Paul5 mentionsBarnabas3 mentions

Reflection for Today

The central section of Acts—Chapter 14 of 28—opens a particular moment in the story of the Church's mission empowered by the Holy Spirit.

According to Catholic teaching, Acts shows the Church's apostolic foundation (CIC 857-862). This chapter especially highlights sacrificial love modeled on Christ, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 74).

Let Acts Chapter 14 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acts Chapter 14 about?

Acts 14 contains 27 verses. It opens with "And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spoke that a very great…" and closes with "And they abode no small time with the disciples. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in Acts 14?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "A long time therefore they abode there, dealing confidently in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Acts Chapter 14?

This chapter mentions Paul, Barnabas.

Who wrote Acts and when?

Luke, as the second volume of his work. About AD 80-90.

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