ACTS 14

14:4, 14 Apostles: Paul and Barnabas are called by this name. It may have been due to the fact that 

they had witnessed the risen Christ (New Bible Commentary) and “exhibited their apostolic credentials 

of signs and wonders” in Iconium (International Bible Commentary). Alternatively, Fitzmyer (Romans, 

p. 229) explains it as due to God's direct commissioning of them for the mission to the Gentiles (I 

Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:15-17). Finally, Toussaint (Bible Knowledge Commentary) points to the 

basic meaning of “apostles” as “those sent with authority as representatives of another” and explains 

that it refers to Acts 13:3 where the church of Antioch commissioned both of them.

 

14:12 Ovid's Metamorphoses contains the legend of Lystra where Zeus and Hermes disguised 

themselves as poor travelers and were rejected by the people of the town except for one couple. So the 

villagers were turned into frogs and the cottage of the couple was turned into the temple. Paul was 

taken to be Hermes since Hermes was Zeus' spokesman.

Two altars to Zeus and Hermes have been found in this area.

 

14:15-17 Compare these thoughts with those of Paul in Romans 1:18-23; 2:14-16.

 

14:15-16 This approach is completely different (as is Athens speech) from the synagogue speech in

Chapter 13. What about "canned" evangelistic approaches?

Timothy was probably converted at this time in Lystra.

 

14:16-17 This is similar to Romans 1:18-25 concerning the evidence of God given to Gentiles, and the 

times of ignorance.

 

14:18-19 The crowd turns from adoration to persecution just as they did to Jesus in Jerusalem. How do 

you explain this phenomenon?

 

14:20-21 The site of Derbe was first positively identified in 1956 as being about 60 miles from Lystra.

  It is interesting that they returned by way of Lystra even though they had been stoned there.

 

14:21-23 Compare these events with current practices and teachings in various Christian groups 

(appointment of leaders, emphasis on tribulation, etc.).

 

14:28 The trip took about 3 years. They stayed in Antioch about one year (AD 48-49).