Acts 14:3
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So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Long time therefore abode they--because in spite of opposition they were meeting with so much success. speaking boldly in the Lord--rather, "in dependence on the Lord," that is, on their glorified Head. who gave testimony to the word of his grace--a notable definition of the Gospel, whose whole burden is GRACE. and granted--"granting," that is, who confirmed the Gospel by granting miraculous attestation to it. (The "and" is wanting in the best manuscripts).
Open source ↗We have, in this chapter, a further account of the progress of the gospel, by the ministry of Paul and Barnabas among the Gentiles; it goes on conquering and to conquer, yet meeting with opposition, as before, among the unbelieving Jews. Here is, I. Their successful preaching of the gospel for some time at Iconium, and their being driven thence by the violence of their persecutors, both Jews and Gentiles, and forced into the neighbouring countries (Act 14:1-7). II. Their healing a lame man at Lystra, and the profound veneration which the people conceived of them thereupon, which they had much ado to keep from running into an extreme (Act 14:8-18). III. The outrage of the people against Paul, at the instigation of the Jews, the effect of which was that they stoned him, as they thought, to death; but he was wonderfully restored to life (Act 14:19, Act 14:20). IV. The visit which Paul and Barnabas made to the churches which they had planted, to confirm them, and put them into order (Act 14:21-23). V. They return to Antioch, whence they were sent forth; the good they did by the way, and the report they made to the church of Antioch of their expedition, and, if I may so say, of the campaign they had made (Act 14:24-28).
Open source ↗14:3 The Spirit-inspired apostles were resilient to withstand the verbal attack against them, and they persisted in preaching the Good News that God’s grace was available to Gentiles as well as to Jews. • boldly: Spirit-inspired boldness is evident throughout Acts (see 2:14; 4:9-10, 13; 7:2-53; 8:30-35; 9:27-28; 18:26; 19:8; 22:3-21; 23:1-6; 28:16-20, 23-31). • In addition, the Holy Spirit confirmed the Christian message with miraculous signs and wonders (cp. 5:12-16; 15:12; 16:18; 19:11).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.