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 14:20KJVWhat 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.