“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.”
My Notes
What Does Acts 14:1 Mean?
Luke records one of the early church's most effective preaching events: in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas spoke in the synagogue "so" that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed. The word "so" (houtos) modifies the speaking — they spoke in such a way that mass conversion resulted. The manner of the preaching produced the magnitude of the response.
The mixed audience — Jews and Greeks — is significant. Iconium was a diverse city where synagogue attendees included both ethnic Jews and Gentile God-fearers. The gospel crossing ethnic lines in a single sermon demonstrates its universal applicability. The same message reached both communities.
The word "together" (epi to auto — at the same time, in the same place) emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas went in jointly. The partnership model — the theologian and the encourager working side by side — produced the kind of preaching that reached everyone in the room.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does it mean to speak 'so' that people believe — and what makes the difference?
- 2.How does the mixed response (Jews and Greeks) demonstrate the gospel's universal reach?
- 3.What does the partnership model (Paul + Barnabas, theology + encouragement) teach about effective ministry?
- 4.Where does your communication of truth need more 'so' — more Spirit-empowered manner behind the content?
Devotional
They spoke in such a way. The manner of the preaching mattered. Not just the content — the delivery, the power, the Spirit behind the words. They spoke so that a great multitude believed. The "so" is the difference between information and transformation.
The audience was mixed: Jews and Greeks, insiders and outsiders, people with Torah background and people without. The same message reached both. The gospel didn't require two versions — one for the religious and one for the secular. Paul and Barnabas walked into a diverse room and spoke in a way that cut across every demographic dividing line.
The partnership model — Paul and Barnabas together — deserves attention. Paul brought the theological depth. Barnabas brought the relational warmth. The theologian without the encourager is intimidating. The encourager without the theologian is shallow. Together, they preached in a way that produced a great multitude. Not a handful. A multitude. Both Jews and Greeks.
The "so" of their speaking is the most important adverb in the verse. You can say the right things in the wrong way and produce nothing. You can preach correct doctrine with no power and empty the room. The apostles spoke so — with such Spirit-empowered clarity, such passionate conviction, such divine backing — that the words didn't just inform. They converted.
How you speak the truth matters as much as what truth you speak. The manner is the medium. The "so" is where the Spirit lives.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
In Iconium - See the notes on Act 13:51. In this place, and in Antioch and Lystra, Timothy became acquainted with Paul…
In Iconium - See the conclusion of the preceding chapter.
So spake - Και λαλησαι οὑτως. With such power and…
In these verses we have,
I. The preaching of the gospel in Iconium, whither the apostles were forced to retire from…
Act 14:1-7. Preaching at Iconium. The Apostles forced to flee
1. they went both together, &c. These words probably refer…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture