Acts 14:3

So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul and Barnabas remain in a city where the populace is divided and unbelieving Jews are actively poisoning minds against them. They continue their ministry during this period of hostility and division.

The words — παρρησιαζόμενοι (parrēsiazomenoi) denotes speaking openly and without fear, while διέτριψαν (dietripsan) indicates they spent a considerable duration in that location. Together they describe a prolonged, unreserved public witness.

The thread — This pattern of divine authentication through miracles appears in Hebrews 2:4 and connects to the grace that builds believers in Acts 20:32. The call to persevere in this work aligns with the alert prayerfulness demanded in Ephesians 6:18.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that bold proclamation persists despite opposition and relies on God to validate the message rather than human persuasion. It demands steadfast endurance and trust in divine confirmation.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Cross-references

Hebrews 2:4 and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
Acts 20:32 And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.
Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Mark 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.
Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
Acts 19:10 This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 2:2 As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
Acts 2:22 Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.