Bible Commentary

Acts 14:1-7

Matthew Henry on Acts 14:1-7

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The apostles spake so plainly, with such evidence and proof of the Spirit, and with such power; so warmly, and with such concern for the souls of men; that those who heard them could not but say, God was with them of a truth.

Yet the success was not to be reckoned to the manner of their preaching, but to the Spirit of God who used that means. Perseverance in doing good, amidst dangers and hardships, is a blessed evidence of grace.

Wherever God's servants are driven, they should seek to declare the truth. When they went on in Christ's name and strength, he failed not to give testimony to the word of his grace. He has assured us it is the word of God, and that we may venture our souls upon it.

The Gentiles and Jews were at enmity with one another, yet united against Christians. If the church's enemies join to destroy it, shall not its friends unite for its preservation? God has a shelter for his people in a storm; he is, and will be their Hiding-place.

In times of persecution, believers may see cause to quit a spot, though they do not quit their Master's work.

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commentaryPaul at IconiumPAUL AT ICONIUM. In these verses we have, I. The preaching of the gospel in Iconium, whither the apostles were forced to retire from Antioch. As the blood of the martyrs has been the seed of the church, so the banishmen…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 14:1-7Apostolic (ministerial) experience. I. THE PRIVILEGE OF PREACHING. The apostles at Iconium "so spake" (Acts 14:1), i.e. wit such force, persuasiveness, fidelity, that "a great multitude believed" (Acts 14:1); "they abod…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 14:1-28The Word and the miracle. In the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth, whether by our Lord himself in the days of his flesh, or by the apostles after his ascension, two great instruments were in constant and simul…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 14:1-7The calm force of the gospel amid many distractions of men. This portion of the history names Paul and Barnabas to us for the first time as apostles (Acts 14:4). It is noticeable also as substituting the expression, "pr…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 14:1-7Faithful service: Iconium. I. The MAGNANIMITY of the preachers; though badly used by the Jews of Antioch, they still return good for evil. II. THE FIRST SUCCESS OF THE WORD, when there was no decided attempt to thwart i…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 14:1-7The gospel at Iconium. There was a series of acts and events such as seem typical of the progress of the gospel elsewhere. I. FAITHFUL AND SUCCESSFUL PREACHING OF THE WORD. Many, Jews and Greeks, believed. This is the o…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 14:1-28EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 14:1Entered for went both, A.V.; Jews for the Jews, A.V.; and for and also, A.V.; Greeks for the Greeks, A.V. Observe how in every case Greeks are found attending the synagogue. So spake, etc. This illustrates the statement…Joseph S. Exell and contributors