I. The First Tour (concluded) (13:1 - 14:28)
H. Events in Iconium (vv. 1-7)
v.1 The preaching of Paul and Barnabas convinced the people of the synagogue. "Greeks" usually refers to any non-Jew. Antioch to Iconium- 90 miles.
v.2 The Jews who were unwilling to be persuaded are the ones doing the "stirring up" here. Notice that they agitated the Gentiles here as the Jews had done in Antioch.
v.3 Signs and wonders were used to confirm the word, remember the New Testament was not completed at this time. The "long time" could be days, weeks or years.
v.4 The schism is between believers and nonbelievers. The things that Paul and Barnabas said that encouraged the believers were the very things that enraged the non-believers. First instance of Paul being called an apostle. Why is Barnabas called an apostle?
v.5-7 The non-believing Jews and Gentiles made plans to injure Paul and Barnabas. When they learned of the plot they left the city. They fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe (see map). Iconium to Lystra- 40 miles.
I. Labors and results in Lystra (vv. 8-20)
v.8 Compare this lame man to the lame man of Acts 3:1-11. This man had never walked and the people knew his situation.
v.9,10 There was probably not a synagogue in Lystra, so the apostles held an open-air meeting. Paul "fastened his eyes on him" (13:9) The man showed the proper frame of mind. The man's faith was put to the test by Paul's command to stand. The healing was immediate and instantaneous.
v.11 The idolatry of the natives makes itself known here as they represent Barnabas and Paul as "gods". This will happen again in 28:1-6.
v.12 Barnabas- Jupiter (Zeus) king of the gods, Paul- Mercury (Hermes) god of eloquence.
v.13 They intended to sacrifice two bulls to Paul and Barnabas. The flowers were used to adorn the horns of the bulls.
v.14-16 In what sense was Barnabas an apostle? Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes and set about to stop the sacrifice. They begin by saying they are not gods, but merely men delivering good tidings from the living God. Compare Paul's argument here to Acts 17:21-32 and Rom. 1:18-23. Living God is contrasted to dumb idols. One creator of all is contrasted to many diverse gods. Did God endorse what the nations were doing during the times of ignorance?
v.17 God had been blessing them through His natural laws. Ps. 19:1. Their gods had given them none of these things.
v.18 Even though mention is not made of success at Lystra, name three converts who later play an important role in the N.T. 2 Tim 1:5
v.19 The enemies had traveled 80 to 100 miles to put a stop to Paul and Barnabas. The very people that were about to worship the apostles are now ready to stone them to death. They supposed Paul was dead.
v.20 Lystra to Derbe- 20 miles. Paul was stunned or unconscious, he rose up and entered the city.
J. Success in Derbe and return to Antioch (vv.21-28)
v.21 After evangelizing Derbe, they retrace their route instead of taking the more direct route back to Syria. The Antioch mentioned in this verse is the one in Pisidia.
v.22 Confirming- giving additional strength, making more firm. They urged the disciples to remain steadfast. Tribulations would have to be endured to remain in the kingdom of God.
v.23 Each local congregation needed elders to rule over it. These men were chosen now. Ordain- elect, appoint or create. Note the plurality of elders.
v.24-26 Pisidia and Pamphylia are the provinces in which Antioch and Perga are located. They preach in Perga this time through. Instead of getting a ship at Perga they proceed 16 miles overland to Attalia where they set sail to Antioch.
v.27,28 On their return, the Antioch church assembled to hear their report. They gave God all of the praise for the things that had happened. It is speculated that the first tour took 2 to 3 years and they remained in Antioch 1 or 2 years.
Summary of Paul's First Tour (see Boles pp. 230,231)
Addenda- Miracles in the book of Acts
23) Signs and wonders in Iconium 14:3,4
24) Lame man healed at Lystra14:8-18