Acts 14:21
New International Version
They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,

New Living Translation
After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia,

English Standard Version
When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Berean Standard Bible
They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Berean Literal Bible
And having proclaimed the gospel to that city and having discipled many, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

King James Bible
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

New King James Version
And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

New American Standard Bible
And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made a good number of disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,

NASB 1995
After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

NASB 1977
And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Legacy Standard Bible
And after they had proclaimed the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Amplified Bible
They preached the good news to that city and made many disciples, then they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Christian Standard Bible
After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,

American Standard Version
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Contemporary English Version
Paul and Barnabas preached the good news in Derbe and won some people to the Lord. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia.

English Revised Version
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They spread the Good News in that city and won many disciples. Then they went back to the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (which is in Pisidia).

Good News Translation
Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News in Derbe and won many disciples. Then they went back to Lystra, to Iconium, and on to Antioch in Pisidia.

International Standard Version
As they were proclaiming the good news in that city, they discipled a large number of people. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Majority Standard Bible
They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

NET Bible
After they had proclaimed the good news in that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch.

New Heart English Bible
When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Weymouth New Testament
and, after proclaiming the Good News to the people there and gaining a large number of converts, they retraced their steps to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.

World English Bible
When they had preached the Good News to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Having also proclaimed good news to that city, and having discipled many, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,

Berean Literal Bible
And having proclaimed the gospel to that city and having discipled many, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Young's Literal Translation
Having proclaimed good news also to that city, and having discipled many, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having announced that city the good news, and made disciples sufficient, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they had evangelized that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

New American Bible
After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.

New Revised Standard Version
After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when they had preached the gospel to the people of that city, and had converted many, then they returned to the city of Lys’tra, and to I-co’ni-um, and An’ti-och,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
While they were preaching to the people of that city, they discipled many and they returned and came to Lystra and to Iqonion and to Antiakia,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Godbey New Testament
and preaching the gospel to that city, and making many disciples, they returned into Lystra, and into Iconium, and into Antioch,

Haweis New Testament
And after preaching the gospel in that city, and bringing many to become disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch;

Mace New Testament
After they had preach'd the gospel in that city, and made many disciples, they retook the road to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,

Weymouth New Testament
and, after proclaiming the Good News to the people there and gaining a large number of converts, they retraced their steps to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.

Worrell New Testament
And, having proclaimed the glad tidings to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch;

Worsley New Testament
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Return to Syrian Antioch
20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.…

Cross References
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Mark 16:15-16
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. / Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 11:19-21
Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. / But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. / The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Acts 13:48-49
When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. / And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.

Acts 16:5
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Acts 18:8-11
Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized. / One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” ...

Acts 19:10
This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.

Romans 10:14-15
How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

1 Corinthians 3:6-9
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. / He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. ...

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

Jonah 3:2-5
“Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message that I give you.” / This time Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, in accordance with the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, requiring a three-day journey. / On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!” ...

Psalm 96:3
Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.


Treasury of Scripture

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

taught many.

Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Lystra.

Acts 14:1,6,8,19
And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed…

Acts 13:14,51
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down…

Acts 15:36
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

Jump to Previous
Announced Antioch City Converts Discipled Disciples Gaining Glad Good Gospel Iconium Ico'nium Lystra News Preached Proclaimed Proclaiming Retraced Steps Taught Turned Won
Jump to Next
Announced Antioch City Converts Discipled Disciples Gaining Glad Good Gospel Iconium Ico'nium Lystra News Preached Proclaimed Proclaiming Retraced Steps Taught Turned Won
Acts 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.














They preached the gospel
The phrase "preached the gospel" comes from the Greek word "euangelizō," which means to announce good news. In the context of the early church, this was the proclamation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The act of preaching the gospel was central to the mission of the apostles, as it was the means by which they spread the message of salvation. Historically, this reflects the apostolic commitment to evangelism, a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel message.

to that city
The city referred to here is Derbe, a location in the region of Galatia. Derbe was a frontier city of the Roman Empire, and its mention highlights the geographical spread of the gospel. The apostles' journey to Derbe signifies the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish territories into Gentile regions, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. This movement into diverse cultural contexts underscores the universal nature of the Christian message.

and made many disciples
The making of disciples involves more than mere conversion; it encompasses teaching and nurturing new believers in the faith. The Greek word "mathēteuō" implies a process of learning and following. This reflects the early church's emphasis on discipleship, where new converts were instructed in the teachings of Jesus and integrated into the Christian community. Historically, this process was crucial for the establishment and growth of the church, ensuring that the faith was passed on and lived out authentically.

Then they returned
The return journey of the apostles to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch indicates a strategic approach to ministry. By revisiting these cities, Paul and Barnabas were able to strengthen and encourage the fledgling Christian communities they had established. This return trip highlights the importance of follow-up and pastoral care in the early church, ensuring that new believers were supported and grounded in their faith.

to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch
These cities were significant centers of early Christian activity. Lystra and Iconium were part of the Roman province of Galatia, while Antioch (in Pisidia) was a major city in the region. The mention of these cities underscores the challenges and opposition the apostles faced, as well as their perseverance in the mission. Historically, these locations were pivotal in the spread of Christianity, serving as bases for further missionary work and the establishment of churches. The apostles' dedication to these communities reflects the enduring commitment to the Great Commission, a call that continues to inspire Christians today.

(21) And had taught many.--Better, made many disciples. The word is the same as in Matthew 28:19. Among these we may note Gaius, or Caius, afterwards conspicuous as one of St. Paul's companions (Acts 20:4). The work done implies a stay of, it may be, some months' duration. During this time the violence of the hostility of the Jews at Antioch and Iconium had probably subsided, and the Apostles could revisit those cities, as they retraced their steps, without any great danger.

Verse 21. - Made many disciples for taught many, A.V.; returned for returned again, A.V.; to Antioch for Antioch, A.V. Made many disciples (μαθητεύσαντες ἱκανοὺς); comp. Matthew 28:19. What admirable constancy thus to run fresh risks to life and limb in order to win souls to Christ!

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They preached the gospel to
Εὐαγγελισάμενοί (Euangelisamenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2097: From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

that
ἐκείνην (ekeinēn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

city
πόλιν (polin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

made many disciples.
μαθητεύσαντες (mathēteusantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3100: From mathetes; intransitively, to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e. Enrol as scholar.

[Then] they returned
ὑπέστρεψαν (hypestrepsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5290: To turn back, return. From hupo and strepho; to turn under, i.e. To return.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Lystra,
Λύστραν (Lystran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3082: Lystra, a place in Asia Minor.

Iconium,
Ἰκόνιον (Ikonion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2430: Perhaps from eikon; image-like; Iconium, a place in Asia Minor.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Antioch,
Ἀντιόχειαν (Antiocheian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 490: From Antiochus; Antiochia, a place in Syria.


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NT Apostles: Acts 14:21 When they had preached the Good News (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 14:20
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