Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

ACTS 14:20KJV
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Acts 14:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:20 mean?

Acts 14:20 describes how, after Paul was attacked and left for dead, the disciples gathered around him, and he got up and went back into the city. The next day, Paul and Barnabas left together for the city of Derbe.

Paul had just been stoned by a crowd in Lystra, and those with him thought he might have died. The verse shows the support of the disciples (followers of Jesus) who stood by Paul, and his surprising recovery. Despite the danger, Paul returned to the city before moving on with Barnabas, showing determination and resilience in the face of opposition.

The Greek behind Acts 14:20

  • ἀναστὰς (anastas, "he rose up"): This word often means to stand up or rise after lying down, and here it highlights Paul's unexpected recovery after being left for dead.
  • μαθηταί (mathētai, "disciples"): This word refers to followers or learners, specifically those who were committed to Jesus' teachings. Their presence shows a community of support around Paul.
  • ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen, "departed"): This word means to go out or leave, emphasizing that Paul did not stay in a place of danger but continued his mission elsewhere.

Why Acts 14:20 matters

  • Acts 14:20 clears up any idea that Paul was abandoned after his attack; instead, the disciples’ support is emphasized.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s resilience and commitment to his mission, even after a violent attack, which is a key theme in Acts.
  • This moment connects to the wider story of Paul’s travels, showing that opposition and hardship did not stop the spread of the message he was carrying.

Where else these words appear

“Derbe” Greek G1191 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 14:6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

“about” Greek G2944 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
  • John 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
  • Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

“day” Greek G1887 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

“Barnabas” Greek G921 · used in 28 verses

  • Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
  • Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
  • Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.