Acts 14:4

4 But the population of the city was divided, and {some} were with the Jews {and some} with the apostles.

Acts 14:4 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 14:4

But the multitude of the city was divided
In their sentiments, about the apostles, their doctrines, and miracles; some approving them, others condemning their doctrines as false, and their miracles as delusions:

and part held with the Jews;
that did not believe, but rejected the apostles, despised their doctrines, and disparaged their miracles:

and part with the apostles;
these were the Jews and Greeks, that believed; which divisions in families, towns, and cities, though the common consequence of the preaching of the Gospel, are not owing to any fault in that, but to the depravity and corruption of human nature; and are what our Lord declared was, and foretold would be the case, ( Luke 12:51 ) .

Acts 14:4 In-Context

2 But the Jews who were disobedient stirred up and {poisoned the minds} of the Gentiles against the brothers.

3 So they stayed [there] for a considerable time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be performed through their hands.

4 But the population of the city was divided, and {some} were with the Jews {and some} with the apostles.

5 So when an inclination took place [on the part] of both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their rulers, to mistreat [them] and to stone them,

6 they became aware of [it] [and] fled to the Lycaonian cities--Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "those on the one hand"
• [b]. Literally "those on the other hand"