Acts 14:4

4 But the people of the city 1were divided; 2some sided 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 unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
3 So 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.
4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.
5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,
6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,

Cross References 2

  • 1. [Acts 23:7]
  • 2. [Acts 17:4, 5; Acts 19:9; Acts 28:24]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.