Acts·Chapter 14

How to Apply

This week, think about an area in your life where you feel passionate but maybe a little hesitant to speak up. It could be sharing your thoughts in a discussion or standing up for someone who needs support. Take one concrete step to express that passion—maybe it’s having a heart-to-heart with a friend or starting a conversation about a cause you care about. As you do this, keep your mind open to the signs around you—those moments of encouragement or support that may come your way as you boldly share your truth.

Chapter Context

Now, let’s zoom out a bit. Before this moment, these speakers faced a lot of pushback and danger. They were on a mission to share a transformative message, but not everyone was on board. Despite the risks, they decided to stick around and keep speaking their truth. This verse is a turning point; it shows how their determination and God’s support allowed them to continue spreading their message, even when things got tough. What happens next is just as exciting: their boldness leads to even more miracles, gathering even more attention and stirring up both supporters and critics. It’s a high-stakes drama unfolding right before our eyes!

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• so - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• remained - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• long - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• time - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• boldly - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• for - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• lord - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• who - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• witness - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• word - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What is an area in your life where you feel called to speak up, and what holds you back from doing so?

Related Verses

• Mark 16:17-18 - Jesus promised that those who believe would perform signs and wonders, just like what we see happening here.
• Hebrews 2:4 - It talks about God confirming His message with signs and wonders, which connects to the power behind the speakers' boldness.
• Acts 2:43 - Earlier, the apostles were also performing wonders and signs, showing a pattern of God’s power working through His followers.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Acts 14:3. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Faith and Healing, Persecution and Opposition, Divine Signs and Wonders, Misunderstanding of the Gospel, Humanity of the Apostles, Resilience in Ministry, Spread of the Gospel

Key Verses

Acts 14:1, Acts 14:3, Acts 14:15, Acts 14:19, Acts 14:20

Historical Context

Acts 14 is set within the larger narrative of the early church's expansion, as chronicled by Luke. This chapter continues the mission of Paul and Barnabas, who are key figures in the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities. The events unfold in a culturally diverse context where the apostles encounter both belief and hostility. The chapter showcases the transition from a primarily Jewish audience to a more Gentile audience, reflecting the global mission of the church. The miraculous healing in Lystra serves as a pivotal moment that illustrates the apostles' authority and the challenges they face in communicating the true nature of God amidst cultural misunderstandings.