Acts 14:1
And it came to pass in 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.
Acts 14:1 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see the apostles Paul and Barnabas continuing their missionary journey in Iconium. They enter the synagogue of the Jews, where they speak in a way that convinces both Jews and Greeks alike to believe in their message. This moment highlights the power of the apostles' preaching and the universality of the gospel they are spreading. The fact that both Jews and Greeks are converted shows that the message of Christianity transcends cultural and religious boundaries. It also demonstrates the inclusivity of the early Christian community, welcoming believers from different backgrounds into one faith. This verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the gospel and the ability of faith to bring people together, regardless of their differences.
Theological Overview
The passage from the book of Acts recounts the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas to the city of Iconium. As they entered the synagogue to preach, they were able to effectively communicate the gospel message in such a way that a large number of both Jews and Greeks came to believe in Jesus Christ. This particular verse highlights the inclusive nature of the gospel, which was meant for all people regardless of their ethnicity or background. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the universal appeal of the message of Jesus, as well as the power of effective and inclusive communication in spreading the good news. The word “believed†in this context carries a weight of transformative faith, indicating a genuine acceptance of the message that Paul and Barnabas shared. The success that they had in Iconium emphasizes the importance of being able to connect with diverse audiences and convey the message of salvation in a way that resonates with them.
Acts 14:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
World English Bible
In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
Douay-Rheims
And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spoke that a very great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks did believe.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And it came to passe in Iconium, that they went both together into the Synagogue of the Iewes, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Iewes and of the Grecians beleeued.