Acts 14:4

4 But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part 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 that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.

3 Long time therefore they tarried [there] speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was made an onset both of the Gentiles and of the Jews with their rulers, to treat them shamefully and to stone them,

6 they became aware of it, and fled unto the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region round about: