New International VersionSo Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
New Living TranslationBut the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.
English Standard VersionSo they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Berean Standard BibleSo Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
Berean Literal BibleTherefore indeed they stayed a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.
King James BibleLong time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
New King James VersionTherefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
New American Standard BibleTherefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands.
NASB 1995Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.
NASB 1977Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.
Legacy Standard BibleTherefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done through their hands.
Amplified BibleSo Paul and Barnabas stayed for a long time, speaking boldly and confidently for the Lord, who continued to testify to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders (attesting miracles) be done by them.
Christian Standard BibleSo they stayed there a long time and spoke boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace by enabling them to do signs and wonders.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them.
American Standard VersionLong time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Contemporary English VersionPaul and Barnabas stayed there for a while, having faith in the Lord and bravely speaking his message. The Lord gave them the power to work miracles and wonders, and he showed that their message about his gift of undeserved grace was true.
English Revised VersionLong time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, which bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationPaul and Barnabas stayed in the city of Iconium for a long time. They spoke boldly about the Lord, who confirmed their message about his good will by having them perform miracles and do amazing things.
Good News TranslationThe apostles stayed there for a long time, speaking boldly about the Lord, who proved that their message about his grace was true by giving them the power to perform miracles and wonders.
International Standard VersionThey stayed there a considerable time and continued to speak boldly for the Lord, who kept affirming his word of grace and granting signs and wonders to be done by them.
NET BibleSo they stayed there for a considerable time, speaking out courageously for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace, granting miraculous signs and wonders to be performed through their hands.
New Heart English BibleTherefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Webster's Bible TranslationA long time therefore they abode speaking boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Weymouth New TestamentYet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, speaking freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness to the Message of His grace by permitting signs and marvels to be done by them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
World English BibleTherefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version[for a] long time, indeed, therefore, they abided speaking boldly in the LORD, who is testifying to the word of His grace, and granting signs and wonders to come to pass through their hands.
Berean Literal BibleTherefore indeed they stayed a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.
Young's Literal Translation long time, indeed, therefore, did they abide speaking boldly in the Lord, who is testifying to the word of His grace, and granting signs and wonders to come to pass through their hands.
Smith's Literal TranslationTherefore truly they remained a sufficient time speaking freely in the Lord, he testifying to the word of his grace, and giving signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA long time therefore they abode there, dealing confidently in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, they remained for a long time, acting faithfully in the Lord, offering testimony to the Word of his grace, providing signs and wonders done by their hands.
New American BibleSo they stayed for a considerable period, speaking out boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the word about his grace by granting signs and wonders to occur through their hands.
New Revised Standard VersionSo they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo they remained there for a long time, and spoke boldly concerning the LORD, and he gave them testimony to the word of his grace, by means of signs and wonders which he performed by their hands.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd they were there for a long time publicly speaking about THE LORD JEHOVAH, and He was testifying concerning the word of his grace by signs and wonders that He was doing by their hands. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentTherefore, they continued a long time, and spoke boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, by granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Godbey New Testament
Then indeed preaching boldly in behalf of the Lord, witnessing to the word of His grace, giving signs and wonders to be wrought by their hands, they spent much time.
Haweis New Testament
A long space therefore continued they there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, and granted signs and miracles to be wrought by their hands.
Mace New Testament
however the apostles stay'd there a considerable time, being inspir'd with great resolution by the Lord, who gave his attestation to the evangelical doctrine, by the prodigys and miracles, which he did by their hands.
Weymouth New Testament
Yet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, speaking freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness to the Message of His grace by permitting signs and marvels to be done by them.
Worrell New Testament
A long time, therefore, they tarriedthere, speaking boldly in the Lord, Who testified to the word of His grace,by granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.
Worsley New Testament
They therefore stayed a considerable time speaking freely of the Lord, who bare witness to the word of his grace, and gave signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul and Barnabas at Iconium… 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3SoPaul and Barnabas spentconsiderabletime there,speaking boldlyfortheLord,whoaffirmedthemessageofHisgraceby enablingthemto performsignsandwonders.4The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.…
Cross References Hebrews 2:4and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
Mark 16:20And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.
Acts 4:29-30And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
John 14:12Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Acts 19:11God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul,
Romans 15:18-19I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, / so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
2 Corinthians 12:12The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.
Acts 5:12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade.
Acts 2:43A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.
Acts 6:8Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 8:6The crowds all paid close attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform.
Acts 15:12The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
Exodus 4:30and Aaron relayed everything the LORD had said to Moses. And Moses performed the signs before the people,
Numbers 14:11And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?
Treasury of Scripture Long time therefore stayed they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. therefore. Acts 18:9-11 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: … Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 1 Corinthians 16:8,9 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost… speaking. Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; … 1 Thessalonians 2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. which. Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; andso is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working withthem, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. the word. Acts 20:24,32 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God… Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. granted. Acts 4:29,30 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, … Acts 5:12-14 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch… Acts 19:11,12 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: … Jump to Previous AbodeBarnabasBoldlyCausingConfidingConfirmedConsiderableFreelyGoodGraceGrantedGrantingHandsIndeedKeptMarvelsMessageMiraculousPaulPermittingRelianceRelyingSignsSpeakingTarriedTestifiedTestifyingTestimonyTimeWitnessWondersWordJump to Next AbodeBarnabasBoldlyCausingConfidingConfirmedConsiderableFreelyGoodGraceGrantedGrantingHandsIndeedKeptMarvelsMessageMiraculousPaulPermittingRelianceRelyingSignsSpeakingTarriedTestifiedTestifyingTestimonyTimeWitnessWondersWordActs 14 1.Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium.8.At Lystra Paul heals a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods.19.Paul is stoned.21.They pass through various churches, confirming the disciples in faith and patience.26.Returning to Antioch, they report what God had done with them.So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time therePaul and Barnabas were in Iconium, a city in the region of Galatia, which is modern-day Turkey. This phrase indicates their commitment to establishing a strong foundation for the new believers. The "considerable time" suggests a period of several months, allowing them to teach and disciple the converts thoroughly. This dedication reflects the missionary strategy of the early church, emphasizing the importance of nurturing new believers and establishing a solid church community. speaking boldly for the Lord
The boldness of Paul and Barnabas is a recurring theme in Acts, highlighting their reliance on the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). Despite opposition and potential persecution, they continued to proclaim the gospel fearlessly. This boldness is a fulfillment of Jesus' promise that His followers would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). Their courage serves as an example for believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of external pressures. who affirmed the message of His grace
The message of grace refers to the gospel, which emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). God's affirmation of this message underscores its divine origin and truth. The concept of grace is central to Christian theology, contrasting with the legalistic approach of the Judaizers, who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation. This affirmation by God validates the apostles' teaching and encourages the believers in their newfound faith. by enabling them to perform signs and wonders
Signs and wonders were miraculous events that served as divine confirmation of the apostles' message. These acts demonstrated God's power and authenticated the gospel, drawing attention to the truth of their proclamation (Hebrews 2:4). In the biblical narrative, miracles often accompany the introduction of new revelation, as seen in the ministries of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. These miracles in Iconium would have been particularly significant in a Greco-Roman context, where supernatural occurrences were often associated with divine favor. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulA key apostle in the early church, known for his missionary journeys and bold proclamation of the Gospel. In this context, he is actively spreading the message of Christ. 2. BarnabasA fellow missionary and companion of Paul, known for his encouragement and support in the ministry. He plays a significant role in the early church's expansion. 3. IconiumThe city where Paul and Barnabas were ministering. It was a significant location in their missionary journey, where they faced both acceptance and opposition. 4. Signs and WondersMiraculous acts performed by Paul and Barnabas, serving as divine confirmation of their message and authority. 5. The LordRefers to Jesus Christ, who empowers and affirms the apostles' ministry through the Holy Spirit. Teaching Points Boldness in ProclamationAs believers, we are called to speak boldly for the Lord, trusting in His power and presence to affirm our message. Divine AffirmationGod often confirms His word through various means, including signs and wonders, to strengthen faith and validate His messengers. Perseverance in MinistryPaul and Barnabas spent considerable time in Iconium despite opposition, teaching us the importance of perseverance in our own ministry efforts. The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit empowers believers to perform acts that testify to the truth of the Gospel, reminding us of our dependence on Him. Grace as the Core MessageThe message of grace is central to the Gospel, and our lives should reflect this grace in our interactions and ministry. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 14:3?
2.How does Acts 14:3 encourage boldness in sharing the Gospel today?
3.What role does "the word of His grace" play in our witness?
4.How can we rely on God to "confirm the message" in our ministry?
5.What scriptural examples show God granting "signs and wonders" to affirm His message?
6.How can we cultivate perseverance in ministry despite opposition, as seen in Acts 14:3?
7.How does Acts 14:3 demonstrate the role of miracles in spreading the Gospel?
8.What does Acts 14:3 reveal about the apostles' reliance on divine power?
9.How does Acts 14:3 address the relationship between faith and evidence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 14?
11.What were Apostle Paul's missionary journeys?
12.Is fasting necessary for Christians?
13.How do the miraculous signs in Mark 16:17–18 (like snake handling and drinking poison) stand up to modern scientific understanding?
14.Acts 10:44–46 – Is there any archaeological or historical proof that Gentiles suddenly received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues?What Does Acts 14:3 Mean So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there• The Spirit led them to stay, not rush on. This choice models patient discipleship (Acts 18:11). • Remaining “considerable time” allowed deep teaching, formation of leaders, and strengthened faith in a hostile setting (Acts 13:49;Galatians 4:13–14). • Faithful presence rather than brief visits shows God’s heart—a shepherd who lingers with His flock (John 10:14–15).
speaking boldly for the Lord• Their courage flowed from the Holy Spirit’s power, not personality (Acts 4:31: “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly,”). • Bold speech centers on Christ, confronting error while offering grace (Ephesians 6:19;2 Timothy 1:7–8). • Boldness here is obedience, proving they “must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
who affirmed the message of His grace• The gospel is called “the message of His grace” (Acts 20:24), emphasizing unearned favor. • God Himself “affirmed” (or confirmed) that message, showing He stands behind every word (Mark 16:20;Hebrews 2:3–4). • Grace, not human eloquence, is the saving power (Romans 1:16;Titus 2:11). The Lord takes personal responsibility to validate it.
by enabling them to perform signs and wonders• Miracles functioned as divine signatures.Acts 2:43 notes, “A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs,”. • Signs pointed to Christ, never to the miracle-workers (Acts 3:12–13). • They authenticated apostolic authority (2 Corinthians 12:12) and advanced the mission (Romans 15:18–19). • While God may still work supernaturally, Scripture remains the sufficient, complete testimony of His grace (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
summaryActs 14:3 shows persistent ministry, Spirit-empowered boldness, God’s active confirmation of the gospel, and miraculous signs all working together. The passage reassures believers that when we faithfully proclaim the grace of Christ, the Lord Himself validates the message and advances His kingdom in His chosen ways. (3) Long time therefore abode they.--This can hardly be understood as involving a stay of less than several months, during which, Paul and Barnabas, as before, were working for their livelihood. Speaking boldly.--The "boldness" consisted, as the context shows, in a full declaration of the gospel of the grace of God as contrasted with the narrowing Judaism with which the Greek proselytes had previously been familiar. Granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.--It will be noted that here also, as so often elsewhere, the miracles that were wrought came as the confirmation of faith, not as its foundation. Verse 3.- They tarried there for abode they, A.V.; bare witness for gave testimony, A.V.; granting for and granted, A.V. For the phraselong time ( ἱκανὸν χρόνον), comp. Acts 27:9, "much time," and "many days" ( ἡμέραι ἱκαναί), Acts 9:23. So also Luke 8:27, "long time," or "for a long time" ( ἐκ χρόνων ἱκανῶν). Speaking boldly ( παρρησιαζόμενοι) in the Lord ( ἐπὶ τῷ Κυρίῳ); i.e. having the Lord for their support. It was the special prayer of the Church that God would "grant to his servants that they might speak the Word with all boldness ( μετὰπαρρησίας πάσης)," and in answer to that prayer they were enabled to speak "the Word of God with boldness" ( Acts 4:29 , 31; comp. Acts 9:29; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:2, etc.). It was no small evidence of the power of the Holy Ghost that the apostles were able to speak with such uncompromising fidelity in the face of such bitter opposition. Signs and wonders, etc. See Mark 16:17-20; comp. too Acts 4:30, which also indicates that we ought, perhaps, to understand here τῷ Κυρρίῳ of God the Father rather than of "his holy Servant Jesus."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Soοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.[Paul and Barnabas] spentδιέτριψαν(dietripsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1304:To tarry, continue, stay in a place. From dia and the base of tribos; to wear through, i.e. Remain.considerableἱκανὸν(hikanon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2425:From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.time {there},χρόνον(chronon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5550:A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.speaking boldlyπαρρησιαζόμενοι(parrēsiazomenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3955:To speak freely, boldly; To be confident.forἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Lord,Κυρίῳ(Kyriō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.whoτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.affirmedμαρτυροῦντι(martyrounti)Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3140:To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.messageλόγῳ(logō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.ofτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.graceχάριτος(charitos)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485:From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.by enablingδιδόντι(didonti)Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.themχειρῶν(cheirōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 5495:A hand.to performγίνεσθαι(ginesthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.signsσημεῖα(sēmeia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4592:Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.wonders.τέρατα(terata)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5059:A wonder, portent, marvel. Of uncertain affinity; a prodigy or omen.
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NT Apostles: Acts 14:3 Therefore they stayed there a long time (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
