And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

ACTS 14:1KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 14:1 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:1 mean?

Acts 14:1 describes how Paul and Barnabas went together into the Jewish synagogue in the city of Iconium and spoke in such a way that a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed their message. The verse highlights the powerful impact of their teaching, which led to many people from different backgrounds coming to faith.

Paul and Barnabas are the main figures here, traveling as missionaries. In Iconium, they begin their work by addressing the local Jewish community in the synagogue, a common starting point for them. The mention of both Jews and Greeks believing shows that their message reached beyond just one group, reflecting the growing diversity of the early Christian movement. The verse sets the stage for both the success and the challenges they will face in this city.

Where else these words appear

“Iconium” Greek G2430 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
  • Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
  • Acts 16:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

“Greeks” Greek G1672 · used in 26 verses

  • John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
  • Acts 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
  • Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

“multitude” Greek G4128 · used in 32 verses

  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • Acts 15:30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

“synagogue” Greek G4864 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.