Atos 14
Thomas Constable · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 14
Constable adds that "Iconium was a Greek city-state in the geographic region of Phrygia. "While Rome chose Antioch of Pisidia and Lystra as bastions of its authority in the area, Iconium remained largely Greek in temper and somewhat resistant to Roman influence, though Hadrian later made it a Roman colony." “Iconium” comes from eikon, the Greek word for “image.” According to Greek mythology, Prometheus and Athena recreated humanity there after a devastating flood by making images of people from mud and breathing life into them (ibid., pp. 431-32). (Longnecker).(Acts 13 Commentary) (Related - Greek Mythology and the Gospel of Jesus Christ) So even the name of the city was pagan, a name that speaks of idols (cf use in Ro 1:23+, used for image of Antichrist - Rev 14:9, 11, 15:2, 16:2+), and yet God's inherently powerful Gospel light proclaimed by these Spirit empowered missionaries would shine forth brilliantly even to this dark place and would rescue many "from the domain of darkness,(transferring them) to the kingdom of His beloved Son." (Col 1:13+) America is becoming a nation of idolatry and spiritual darkness and yet the Gospel is still the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Ro 1:16+). ISBE on Iconium - In what remains the definitive essay (in Cities of St. Paul), Sir William Ramsay likened Iconium to Damascus. The physical setting is similar: Iconium is close to the mountains on a high, fertile plateau that is well watered by large streams. Again, Iconium is not suited to military defense, and it thus became a prosperous city of peace and commerce as well as a center of agriculture. Furthermore, Iconium was on a major trade route (between Ephesus and Syria) and was an important crossroads of the Roman empire, with no less than five roads radiating from it....Iconium lies close to the border between Phrygia and Lycaonia, and thus it has been associated with both regions. So far as topography is concerned, Iconium is naturally suited to be the capital of the region of Lycaonia. Yet the city was regarded in earliest times as Phrygian; its inhabitants were of Phrygian (not Lycaonian) descent, although in later times the educated classes took pride above all in their Hellenism. Archeological evidence verifies the persistence of the Phrygian language. The religion of the area was the native Phrygian Cybele worship, which, however, took on Greek dress in the Hellenistic period. In this period Iconium was governed successively by the Seleucids, Galatians, and the kings of Pontus. This period was followed by the Roman conquest under Mithradates VI. Mark Antony gave Iconium to Polemon of Cilicia and shortly thereafter it came under the rule of Amyntas of Galatia. Iconium was commonly regarded as a city of Lycaonia from 100 B.C. to A.D. 100, despite the existence of references (both before and after this period) to the city as Phrygian.....After becoming a part of the Roman empire, the city retained its Hellenistic character: only in reference to Iconium, of all the cities of Asia Minor, does Acts mention “Hellenes” (Acts 14:1; 16:1, 3). Nearby Lystra and Antioch were utilized as military outposts and were more subject to Romanization. Nevertheless, Iconium was honored by Rome for loyalty, receiving from Claudius the imperial name Claudiconium (ca A.D. 41) and achieving the favored status of a Roman colony from Hadrian (ca A.D. 135). Although Iconium is not mentioned by name, Paul very probably visited the city on his second (Acts 16:6) and third (Acts 18:23) missionary journeys. According to the so-called South Galatian theory, Iconium (with Antioch, Lystra, and Derbe) was one of the churches addressed by Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians. Arnold - Iconium, Lystra and Derbe were cities in the province of Galatia. The whole area of Galatia was notorious for its impenetrable paganism. The people who settled in Galatia were Gauls, a Celtic tribe from the same stock which inhabited France. They were a warlike people and in 189 B.C. they were made subjects of the Roman Empire. They were fiercely nationalistic and held on to their customs and language. Caesar said of the Gauls, “The infirmity of the Gauls is that they are fickle in their resolves, fond of change, and not to be trusted.” (Acts 14:1-20 Patterns in Evangelism) Bock adds that "Paul and Barnabas move to a city on a high plateau over the plains, Iconium (v. 1a), sitting at an altitude of 3,370 feet. It was a culturally mixed city. The missionaries are traveling the well-known Roman commercial road known as the Via Sebaste or Royal Road (Witherington 1998: 418)....Iconium was in the central part of what is now Konya province in Turkey, a rugged, somewhat isolated location on a plateau in the steppes of central Turkey. It was a ruling center in the region (Schnabel 2004: 1111). Strabo (Geogr. 12.6.1) describes the region aptly as cold, bare of trees, with scarcity of water, while the town is well settled. " (Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) - Page 241).
Atos 14
Constable adds that "The "apostles" were Paul and Barnabas. Luke used the word "apostle" in a technical sense to describe the Twelve apostles plus Paul in Acts. He also used it less frequently in a non-technical sense to describe any believer sent out into the world with the salvation message (e.g, Acts 14:14; cf.Ro 16:7; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25). There were only 13 men with the office of apostleship, (What are the biblical qualifications for apostleship?) but there were many others who, with more or less gift, did the work of an apostle. Similarly there were some with the prophetic office, but many more with prophetic ministries. (See John E. Johnson, "The Old Testament Offices as Paradigm for Pastoral Identity," Bibliotheca Sacra 152:606 April-June 1995):182-200) (Expository Notes) Acts 14:5 And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, KJV Acts 14:5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers Acts 4:25-29; 17:5; Ps 2:1-3; 83:5; 2 Timothy 3:11 to mistreat and to stone them Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28 UNBELIEF UNCHECKED TURNS UGLY! Their unbelieving hearts now issue in formation of a vigilante mob, intent on unjust treatment, even murder, goals which were undoubtedly "catalyzed" by their father the devil who "was a murderer from the beginning." (Jn 8:44). God's men led by His Spirit were in the "gun sites" of men led by unclean spirits! The next time you are attacked for righteous words or actions, remember that behind the human attackers is the enemy of your soul, the devil's henchmen! (cf Ps 143:3) And remember that often Satan has key people in power in his possession and they do his bidding, including even people in the organized church (cf Acts 20:28, 29, 30+)! "Paul and Barnabas were on their hit-list. Have you ever been on someone’s hit-list?" (Andrews) And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers - Remember that God is sovereign even over our persecutions. And in this case it follows that God allowed this persecution as a means of moving the missionaries on to their next divine appointment in Lystra. Rulers (officials) (758)(archon) speaks of those exercising authority and probably refers to the rulers of the Jewish synagogue, but does not exclude participation by the city officials (cf Acts 13:50). Some think this suggest three groups aligned against the missionaries - Jews, Gentiles and rulers, but the latter could be the leaders of the Jews and the Gentiles which would in effect be only two groups. Attempt (3730)(horme from órnumi = to excite, arouse) a rapid or violent motion forwards, onrush, as here in Acts describing the swift and capricious action of a mob who rush with the intent to assault. Gangels says horme describes "a spontaneous reaction uncontrolled by reason and planning." In the only other NT use of horme in James 3:4 it speaks of an inclination of the pilot of a ship who steers it wherever the impulse in him leads. BDAG says the word describes "a psychological state of strong tendency,." Zodhiates adds that is "Used metaphorically of the mind, impulse, will (Acts 14:5; James 3:4). Hormé often times has in view motion toward an object with the purpose of propelling and repelling it still further from oneself." (Complete Word Study Dictionary) A secular writing uses horme to speak of "two pigs making a rush into our piece of land," which might help give us a picture of the intent and action of this motley crew (Gentiles, Jews, rulers) in Acts 14:5! It is worth noting that the related verb hormao which means to rush violently was used by Luke to describe Jesus casting out demons who "came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down (hormao) the steep bank into the lake and was drowned." (Luke 8:33+, cf Mt 8:32, Mk 5:13) Does this not give us a "clue" regarding who is behind the mob rushing toward Paul and Barnabas? After hearing Stephen's stinging sermon, the Jews took the same action as they did toward Paul and Barnabas for "they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at (hormao) him (Stephen) with one impulse," (Acts 7:57) and in that case of course successfully stoned him (Acts 7:58) which is what they sought to do to the missionaries. Luke used hormao once more in Acts 19:29 recording "The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed (hormao) with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia." THOUGHT - Once again we see the juxtaposition of the bold proclamation of the Gospel and persistent opposition to the Gospel. It therefore behooves us to continually heed Paul's charge in Ephesians 6:11-12+ to "Put on (aorist imperative = Just do it! It is our urgent need. Each morning "dress for battle!") the full armor of God, so that you will be able (dunamai in present tense = necessitates continual dependence on the Holy Spirit - Eph 5:18+) to stand firm against the schemes (methodeia - he knows your weaknesses!) of the devil. For our struggle (pale) is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." To mistreat (insult) (5195)(hubrizo from húbris = injury, insult, reproach, arrogance, insolence, ill-treatment. Our English word hubris refers to exaggerated pride or self-confidence) means act with insolence, wantonness, wicked violence, to treat injuriously. So here in Iconium the Jews and Gentiles acted spitefully toward the missionaries, treating them shamefully, and therefore abusing them. The idea is that these enemies of the Gospel treated the missionaries contemptuously, in an insolent and arrogant way. In short the missionaries received insulting and outrageous treatment especially perpetrated to publicly, openly humiliate them! THOUGHT - Has this ever happened to you when you shared the Gospel? Later the missionaries would receive the same mistreatment in Philippi, Paul writing to the saints at Thessalonica "after we had already suffered and been mistreated (same verb as here in Acts 14 = hubrizo) in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition (agon = "fight" in 1 Ti 6:12, 2 Ti 4:7)." (1 Th 2:2+) Now do not lose sight of this important principle = The only way they could speak the Gospel with boldness in the face of much opposition is by being enabled by the Holy Spirit. In short, these missionaries were Spirit filled men. It behooves us to be Spirit empowered men and women when we seek to share the Gospel. Hubrizo is the same verb used to describe the treatment of Jesus for He had foretold His disciples that He would "be handed over to the Gentiles, and (would) be mocked and mistreated (hubrizo) and spit upon." (Lk 18:32) which recalls His warning in Jn 15:20 that "A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also." And to stone them - They moved from words and threats (hubrizo) to preparation for taking aggressive action. One of my mentors used to say "Preach the Word and duck!" I guess that's a good way to avoid stones flying at your head! It is almost a certain guarantee that when you proclaim the Gospel faithfully in the power of the Spirit and for the glory of God, you will be vigorously opposed (and as here it often comes from some who call themselves "religious" or "Christian") Sad but true! Paul gave a similar warning to the elders of the church at Ephesus... “Be on guard (present imperative - calls for continual guarding) for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31“Therefore be on the alert (present imperative), remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.(cf Acts 20:28-31+) Constable - The Gentiles and the Jewish rulers took the initiative in persecuting the evangelists. The attempt to stone them appears to have been an act of mob violence rather than a formal Jewish attempt at execution (cf.Acts 7:58-59). "It would have required a regular Hebrew court to sanction it [a legal stoning], and it would never have been tolerated in a Roman colony." [Note: Foakes-Jackson, p128.] (Expository Notes) To stone (3036)(lithoboleo from lithos = a stone + ballo = throw) means to pelt with stones, to stone (Mt 21:35) or to stone to death as with Stephen in Acts 7:58, 59+. Undoubtedly this mixed mob had murder of the missionaries on their mind! Acts 14:6 they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region KJV Acts 14:6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: they became aware of it Acts 9:24; 17:13,14; 23:12-22; 2 Kings 6:8-12 Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, Acts 14:20,21; 16:1,2; 2 Timothy 3:11 Green = Iconium > Lystra Orange = Lystra > Derbe Red = Return to Pisidian Antioch ONWARD TO THE GENTILE CITY OF LYSTRA They became aware of it - While believers are called to stand against opposition, sometimes the "will of God" is for us to flee unless God clearly show us we should stand fast. Considering that the opposition was getting ready to stone them, it would seem reasonable that Paul and Barnabas saw a mob coming toward them with stones in their hands! Whatever the specific indicator of insurrection was, it was clearly and quickly perceived by the missionaries. Jack Andrews comments that in some way "God made known to His servants the plot of the people. He was protecting His servants. It wasn’t by accident, happenstance, or luck that Paul and Barnabas found out about the plot to abuse them and stone them. When we face opposition because of our faith in Jesus we will not face opposition without Jesus." Became aware of (4894)(suneidon from sun = with + eido = to see) which means to see together, to grasp as a whole, to see clearly, to perceive, to become aware of, to take in at a glance. (only other use Acts 12:12+). Suneidon is the word from which suneidesis or conscience derives. Tony Merida comments that "In this act of relocating, we should notice the combination of prudence and perseverance. The missionaries were brave but not stupid! In fleeing danger, they lived to preach another day. Sometimes the best way to make the gospel known may mean remaining; at other times it may mean relocating. For such matters one must seek the Father, who promises to give his children wisdom when they ask him (Jas 1:5)." (Exalting Jesus in Acts) Paul alluded to this time of persecution on his second letter to Timothy... Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch (Acts 13:50+), at Iconium (Acts 14:1-4, 5) and at Lystra (Acts 14:8ff); what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! (2 Timothy 3:10, 11+) Comment - Note Paul's statement that out of them all (THIS WOULD INDICATE EVEN OUT OF ICONIUM) the Lord rescued him. This would signify that they left Iconium not so much out of fear but because in some way not stated here in Acts 14 the Lord rescued them. The verb for rescued is rhuomai which means to draw or snatch to oneself and invariably refers to a snatching from danger, evil or an enemy. This basic idea is that of bringing someone out of severe and acute danger. The Lord rescued them but the responsibility of the missionaries was to flee town. Gangel points out that "This flight was more than just geographical; it was political in terms of boundary. Paul and Barnabas literally crossed from one political region to another; these verses emphasize that transition." (See Holman New Testament Commentary - Acts - Page 232) As Butler said "Divine intervention does not eliminate human responsibility.” One is reminded of Jesus' words to His disciples - “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16) What was Jesus saying? What is the picture of sheep in the midst of wolves, but a picture of danger and conflict. That was Jesus' promise. And based on that certainty of conflict the disciples were to be shrewd as serpents which were held to be smart, cunning, cautious and in this metaphor symbolized wisdom the disciples were to exhibit. In the present context in Acts 14, the disciples were to be wise as serpents and move on down the line so to speak! If the Lord had wanted Paul and Barnabas to remain on at Iconium even in face of the danger, he would have told them. We see that is exactly what He did in Acts 18 in a dangerous situation in Corinth when the Jews began to resist Paul and blaspheme. Luke records that "the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you (meta - cf Jesus' promise in Mt 28:20 "I am with [meta] you" and also see comment below) , and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10). It is notable that in Acts 13:51+ the missionaries took time to shake the dust off of their feet, but this situation in Iconium was urgent and dangerous, so instead of shaking off the dust, they stirred up the dust as they departed in haste! David Jeremiah wrote, “Leaving Iconium was not cowardice on their part but prudence. They wouldn’t be able to minister anywhere if they were badly injured or killed in a stoning, so they took the path of safety and left before the serious trouble started.” R. Kent
Atos 14
Constable - As is true of other similar references to a healed person's faith, this man's confidence was in God. He believed God could heal him, not that God would do so. Confidence that God would heal him, in other words, is not what made him whole. It was confidence that God through His servant could heal him that constituted his faith (e.g., Matt. 9:28-29; Mark 9:22-24). His faith was a factor in his receiving healing (cf. Mark 6:5-6). (Constable's Notes on the Bible) Jack Andrews says that "This man believed what Paul preached and he believed that Jesus Christ could heal! He’s like the woman with the issue of blood (Mt 9:20-21, 22). The man who brought his demon possessed man to Jesus to be healed (cf Mt 17:18-20). The Roman Centurion that asked Jesus just to speak the word and his servant would be healed (Mt 8:5-9, 10). The Syro-Phoenician woman who asked Jesus to heal her daughter and said to Jesus even the little dogs eat the crumbs from their master’s table (Mt 15:22-27, 28, Mk 7:25-30). Jesus said he had never seen such great faith in all Israel. He’s like one of the ten lepers (Lk 17:12-18, 19), the Samaritan, who was healed by Jesus that returned to Jesus and gave Him praise (Lk 17:16)." (Expository Sermons) Faith (4102)(pistis) is synonymous with trust or belief and is the conviction of the truth of anything, but in Scripture usually speaks of belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it. Swindoll on pistis - This word denotes confidence in the reliability of a person or thing and can describe one’s trust in a person’s word, a compact or treaty, or a deity (or deities). The term implies both knowledge and action. One may receive knowledge of a certain truth and may even offer verbal agreement, but “trust” or “confidence” is not said to be present until one’s behavior reflects that truth. (Insights on Acts) All of Luke's uses of pistis in Acts - Acts 3:16; Acts 6:5; Acts 6:7; Acts 11:24; Acts 13:8; Acts 14:9; Acts 14:22; Acts 14:27; Acts 15:9; Acts 16:5; Acts 17:31; Acts 20:21; Acts 24:24; Acts 26:18 Made well (4982)(sozo from sos = safe, well) which conveys the basic meanings of to rescue, save, liberate, keep from harm, heal, preserve. When used in the context of sickness and disease it meant to heal, cure, restore to health. The Gospels record Jesus healing individuals who had faith (see passages below). One can misinterpret these passages and say they mean that the individual's faith per se saved them, and in so doing actually miss the true object of the faith which was ultimately and fully in God, and not "faith in their faith." Luke used sozo in Acts both in the sense of to be made well or whole (healed as in our present passage and earlier in Acts 4:9+) and other times with the meaning to be spiritually made well ("saved" - Acts 2:21 Acts 2:40 Acts 2:47, Acts 4:12, Acts 11:14 Acts 15:1; Acts 15:11; Acts 16:30; Acts 16:31) Gotquestions explains "When Jesus said to certain people, “Your faith has made you well (sozo),” He was saying that their faith (their confidence in Him) had been the means of their restoration. The power of Christ was what effected the cure, but His power was applied in connection with their faith. (ED: Think of it as if Christ was throwing out a life preserver which in turn had to be volitionally grasped by the person to whom it was thrown in order for them to be saved.) Just as the faith of some enabled them to receive healing, so healing was sometimes stymied by a lack of faith (see Mt 13:58). In the same way, salvation comes to a sinner through faith. Everyone who is saved must believe, but it is the power of Christ that saves, not the power of faith. Faith is only the instrument, not the power itself. (Read full discussion - What did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”) Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well. Mark 5:34; And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” Mark 10:52 And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road. Luke 8:48 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke 17:19 And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 18:42 And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” Guzik makes the point that "This certain man without strength in his feet made the important transition from hearing about the work of Jesus to believing that it was for him. Not everyone makes this same transition, but they should. (Acts 14 Commentary) Related Resources: Are faith healers for real? Does a faith healer heal with the same power as Jesus? Why doesn't God heal everyone? What does the Bible say about healing? Acts 14:10 said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he leaped up and began to walk. KJV Acts 14:10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. Stand Acts 3:6-8; 9:33,34; Isaiah 35:6; Luke 7:14; 13:11-13; John 5:8,9; 14:12 CREDIBLE CREDENTIALS PUT ON DISPLAY Credentials are attestations of qualification, competence, or authority issued to an individual by a third party, in this case by God attesting to the authority and legitimacy of His missionaries. Said with a loud voice (Greek = loud = megale and voice = phone gives us "megaphone") - This would make it quite obvious that it was through Paul that this miracle would transpire.
Atos 14
Constable writes, “If Satan cannot derail Christian witness with persecution, he will try praise. Too much persecution has destroyed many preachers, and too much praise has ruined many others. One of the problems with miracles is that they often draw more attention to the miracle worker than to God.” THOUGHT - One of my memory verses is Pr 27:21, so that this verse can always be pulled out as the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph 6:17) when praise comes my way, especially when it is unexpected. The other passage that the Spirit usually pops into my mind is 2 Cor 3:5-6, and that usually puts out the fire in my flesh! They tore their robes - See note below. Their actions show their horror, revulsion and deep distress over the blasphemy being committed (See Sanhedrin 7.5). See What did it mean to tear one's clothes in the Bible? Kenneth Gangel quips that on what may have motivated their radical reaction of tearing their clothes - "Memories of Herod's worms surely haunted any first-century public figure who stood in danger of being worshiped instead of God (Acts 12:21-23+)....In Joshua 7:6 tearing clothes demonstrates distress, and in Mark 14:63 it protests perceived blasphemy." (See Holman New Testament Commentary - Acts - Page 233) James Anderson adds this caution - The Lord's people ought always to remember that they are only servants, possessing nothing that they did not receive. Everything that detracts from God must be repudiated. He is too great to share His glory with any other. The sole Creator of heaven, earth and sea can have no rivals. Herod may accept worship (Acts 12:22), but the two evangelists could but rend their clothes in indignant protest. (What the Bible teaches – Acts and James) Tony Merida adds that "Ministers today must take note of the missionaries’ intense deflection of glory. Herod would have enjoyed such praise, but faithful Christians understand that only God is to be worshiped." (Exalting Jesus in Acts) Spurgeon makes an interesting observation - We do not find that they rent their clothes when the people talked of stoning them, but when they spake of worshipping them, they could not bear it; being more concerned for God’s honour than their own Tore (1284)(diarresso from diá =denoting separation + rhéssō/rhégnumi = to tear, break, rend) means literally to tear through, rend asunder, such as tearing clothing (Mt. 26:65; Mk 14:83, Acts 14:14) The Jews in expressing grief or indignation used to tear their garments from their chest to the waist (a sign of mourning in Ge 37:29, 33, 34; 44:13; Nu 14:6; a sign of distress in Josh. 7:6; 2 Sa 3:31). Toussaint adds that "Usually rips were made four or five inches into the neckline of the garment." (See Bible Knowledge Commentary - Page 392) Robes (garments, cloaks) (2440)(himation) describes a garment of any sort, but especially an outer garment and in the plural (ta himatia) for clothes in general. In contrast the Greek word chitin refers to the garment worn under the outer cloak. The himation was something thrown over the inner tunic (chitin) and in secular Greek was sometimes used for the Roman toga.