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Scripture Mapping

Key Events — Acts 14

5 events

  1. Paul and Barnabas Preach in Iconium

    Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue in Iconium and preach the gospel, resulting in a great number of Jews and Greeks believing. However, some Jews who refuse to believe stir up the Gentiles against them.

    Theological significance

    This event highlights the power of the gospel to bring salvation to both Jews and Gentiles, as well as the opposition that often accompanies the spread of the gospel.

    In the broader story

    The preaching in Iconium reflects the early church's mission to spread the gospel to all nations, fulfilling Jesus' command in Acts 1:8.

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  2. Miracle and Misunderstanding in Lystra

    In Lystra, Paul heals a man crippled from birth, leading the crowd to mistakenly believe Paul and Barnabas are gods. They attempt to offer sacrifices to them, but Paul and Barnabas vehemently reject this, insisting they are mere men.

    Theological significance

    This event underscores the danger of idolatry and the importance of directing glory to God alone. It also demonstrates the apostles' humility and commitment to truth.

    In the broader story

    The incident in Lystra echoes the biblical theme of God's power being displayed through human weakness, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9.

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  3. Paul is Stoned and Left for Dead

    Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuade the crowd to stone Paul. He is dragged out of the city, presumed dead, but he miraculously survives and continues his mission.

    Theological significance

    Paul's endurance through persecution exemplifies the cost of discipleship and the sustaining power of God in the face of suffering.

    In the broader story

    This event foreshadows the many trials Paul will face for the sake of the gospel, as he later recounts in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.

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  4. Strengthening the Disciples and Appointing Elders

    Paul and Barnabas return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and appointing elders in each church, committing them to the Lord with prayer and fasting.

    Theological significance

    This event highlights the importance of discipleship, church leadership, and reliance on God through prayer and fasting in the growth and stability of the early church.

    In the broader story

    The establishment of church leadership is crucial for the spread and sustainability of the gospel, as seen in the pastoral epistles (1 Timothy, Titus).

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  5. Return to Antioch and Report

    Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, where they report all that God had done through them, especially how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

    Theological significance

    This event emphasizes the role of the church in mission work and the joy of witnessing God's work among the nations.

    In the broader story

    The report to the church in Antioch underscores the unity and shared mission of the early church, as seen in Acts 11:19-26.

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In the order the chapter tells them. The corpus records sequence, not dates — biblical chronology is contested, and this does not take a position on it.

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