| Geneva Study Bible And {1} it came to pass in {a} Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. (1) We should be no less constant in the preaching of the Gospel than the perversity of the wicked is obstinate in persecuting it. (a) Iconium was a city of Lycaonia. People's New Testament 14:1 Missionary Labors in the Cities of Asia Minor SUMMARY OF ACTS 14: Paul and Barnabas at Iconium. Flight to Lystra and Derbe. The Cripple at Lystra Healed. The Heathen Seek to Worship Paul and Barnabas as Gods. A Persecution Raised by the Jews. Paul Stoned Until Supposed to Be Dead. They Return to Visit the New Churches. Elders Ordained. The Return to the Syrian Antioch. The Report of Their Labors. They went... into the synagogue of the Jews. Just as in the island of Cyprus and at Antioch (Ac 13:5,14). In almost every principal place a colony of Jews and a synagogue were found. Here, among their own nation, and in accordance with the customs of the synagogue, they spoke, and first declared the gospel. The result seemed uniformly to reach some Jews, and a number of the devout Greeks (see PNT Ac 10:2 ) who attended the synagogues to learn more of God. Thus was formed the nucleus of the church. At Iconium, a great multitude both of the Jews and the Greeks believed. Wesley's Notes 14:1 They so spake - Persecution having increased their strength. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary CHAPTER 14 Ac 14:1-7. Meeting with Similar Success and Similar Opposition at Iconium, Paul and Barnabas Flee for Their Lives to Lystra and Derbe, and Preach There. "After this detailed account of Paul's labors at Pisidian Antioch, Luke subjoins only brief notices of his further labors, partly because from the nature of the case his discourses must have embraced nearly the same topics, and partly because the consequences that resulted assumed quite a similar shape" [Olshausen]. 1. they went both together into the synagogue-Though Paul was now the prominent speaker and actor, yet in everything Barnabas went along with him. a . multitude . of the Greeks believed-meaning probably the religious proselytes, as opposed to "the Gentiles" mentioned Ac 14:2. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 14:1-7 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. | 
