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Acts 14:19
And there came thithercertain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drewhim out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Acts 13:45,50
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming…

Acts 17:5,13
But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people…

stirred up the Gentiles
The act of stirring up the Gentiles indicates an intentional effort by the unbelieving Jews to incite opposition against Paul and Barnabas. This reflects a common tactic used by opponents of the early church, as seen in other parts of Acts (e.g.,Acts 13:50,Acts 17:5). The Gentiles, who were non-Jews, were often more open to the Gospel message, as they were not bound by Jewish law and tradition. However, they could be easily influenced by the local Jewish population, who held significant sway in many communities. This phrase underscores the tension between the Jewish and Gentile populations and the challenges faced by the early church in spreading the Gospel.

and poisoned their minds
The phrase "poisoned their minds" suggests a deliberate attempt to corrupt or distort the perception of the Gentiles regarding the message and character of Paul and Barnabas. This could involve spreading false information, rumors, or emphasizing cultural and religious differences to create distrust. The use of the word "poisoned" implies a deep-seated and harmful influence, akin to the way poison affects the body. This reflects the spiritual warfare that the early church faced, as described inEphesians 6:12, where the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

against the brothers
The term "brothers" refers to the Christian community, specifically Paul and Barnabas in this context. It emphasizes the familial bond among believers, a common theme in the New Testament, where Christians are often referred to as brothers and sisters in Christ (e.g.,Romans 12:10,1 Thessalonians 4:9). This phrase highlights the unity and solidarity of the early church, which was often under attack from external forces. The opposition faced by Paul and Barnabas serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the perseverance required to spread the Gospel, as Jesus Himself warned inJohn 15:18-20.

The single word “But” sets up a sharp contrast with the previous verse, where “a great number…believed” (Acts 14:1). Scripture often pivots on small words like this to show the tension between faith and unbelief.

• InJohn 3:19, light comes, “but people loved darkness.”

• Paul later affirms in2 Timothy 3:12 that gospel advance regularly meets pushback.

The “but” here reminds us that fruitful ministry and fierce opposition frequently travel together.

Luke is not dismissing all Jews—Paul and Barnabas themselves are Jewish—but identifying those who refused the gospel. Unbelief is a heart posture (John 5:40) that resists clear evidence (Acts 13:45).

•Romans 11:23 shows that unbelief, not ethnicity, keeps anyone from God’s promises.

•Acts 28:24 notes the same divide: “Some were convinced…others refused to believe.”

These opponents didn’t stay neutral; they actively incited trouble.

•Acts 13:50 and 17:13 record similar agitation campaigns.

•Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “one who stirs up discord” among the things the Lord hates.

Their goal was to create an atmosphere so heated that reasoned hearing of the gospel became impossible.

Ironically, the very group Paul and Barnabas were sent to bless (Acts 13:46-47) is targeted. Unbelieving Jews exploit ethnic lines to hinder the mission.

•Acts 10:45 shows how astonished Jewish believers were when Gentiles first received the Spirit. Opposition here tries to roll back that breakthrough.

•Ephesians 2:14-16 celebrates Christ breaking down this Jew-Gentile wall—something Satan longs to rebuild.

Luke’s phrase pictures mental and moral corruption—lies presented as truth.

•2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of minds blinded by “the god of this age.”

•Galatians 5:9 warns, “A little leaven leavens the whole batch.”

•James 3:14-16 traces bitter jealousy to “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” origins.

Poison rarely kills instantly; it works gradually. The same is true of slander and half-truths aimed at the gospel.

The hostility is personal. “Brothers” (or “brothers and sisters”) highlights family solidarity among believers (Acts 1:15;Hebrews 2:11).

•John 15:18—“If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.”

•1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 describes similar persecution from “your own countrymen.”

•1 Peter 4:4 notes that former friends may malign believers who no longer run with them.

Opposition to the message inevitably becomes opposition to the messengers.

Acts 14:2 shows the predictable pattern: when the gospel gains ground, unbelief mobilizes. Certain Jews who rejected Jesus orchestrated a smear campaign, inciting Gentiles and infecting their thoughts with lies, all aimed at shutting down the witness of Paul, Barnabas, and the new believers. The verse reminds us that spiritual resistance is real, truth can be twisted, and believers must stand together while relying on God to prevail—as He always does (Acts 14:3).