Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

ACTS 14:16KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 14:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:16 mean?

Acts 14:16 says that, in earlier times, God allowed all nations to go their own way, meaning He let different peoples follow their own paths and customs without direct intervention. This verse highlights a period when God did not actively guide or correct every nation as He did with Israel.

Paul is speaking to a crowd in Lystra, explaining why God had not previously revealed Himself to all peoples in the same way. Paul’s point is that, before the message of Jesus, God permitted the Gentile nations to live according to their own traditions, but this was not a sign of God’s absence or approval—rather, it was part of a larger plan now being revealed.

The Greek behind Acts 14:16

  • ἔθνη (ethnē, G1484): This word means "nations" or "Gentiles," referring to all non-Jewish peoples. Paul is emphasizing that God’s earlier patience was not limited to Israel but extended to all groups.
  • πορεύεσθαι (poreuesthai, G4198): This verb means "to walk" or "to go about." In this context, it suggests living life or conducting oneself, highlighting that the nations were left to follow their own ways of living.
  • ὁδοῖς (hodois, G3598): This word means "ways" or "paths," pointing to the customs, beliefs, and behaviors of each nation. The verse stresses that these were their "own" ways, not necessarily God’s ways.

Why Acts 14:16 matters

  • Acts 14:16 clarifies that God’s earlier lack of direct correction for the nations was not neglect but patience, setting the stage for the gospel to reach everyone.
  • The verse helps explain why the Gentiles had different beliefs and practices before hearing about Jesus, showing this was allowed by God for a time.
  • In the wider context, Paul is building a case for why the message of Jesus is now being offered to all people, not just Israel, showing a shift in God’s dealings with humanity.

Where else these words appear

“suffered” Greek G1439 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
  • Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
  • Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

“times” Greek G1074 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
  • Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

“ways” Greek G3598 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

“walk” Greek G4198 · used in 147 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
  • Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.