Acts 14:4

4 But the city was divided. Some of the people agreed with the Jews, and others believed 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 some of the Jews who did not believe excited the non-Jewish people and turned them against the believers.

3 Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium a long time and spoke bravely for the Lord. He showed that their message about his grace was true by giving them the power to work miracles and signs.

4 But the city was divided. Some of the people agreed with the Jews, and others believed the apostles.

5 Some who were not Jews, some Jews, and some of their rulers wanted to mistreat Paul and Barnabas and to stone them to death.

6 When Paul and Barnabas learned about this, they ran away to Lystra and Derbe, cities in Lycaonia, and to the areas around those cities.