Acts 14:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:21 mean?

Acts 14:21 describes how Paul and Barnabas preached the good news about Jesus in a city, taught many people there, and then traveled back to the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. This verse shows their commitment to both spreading the message and revisiting places where they had already worked.

Paul and Barnabas are the main figures in this verse, and they are on their first missionary journey. After sharing the gospel and teaching in one city (likely Derbe, based on the context), they retrace their steps to earlier cities where they had already faced both interest and opposition. This return trip highlights their dedication to encouraging and strengthening the new believers in those places.

The Greek behind Acts 14:21

• The word for "gospel" is εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō), which means to announce good news. In this context, it specifically refers to sharing the message about Jesus.
• The word for "taught" is μαθητεύω (mathēteuō), meaning to make disciples or to teach in a way that leads to learning and following. This shows that Paul and Barnabas were not just informing people, but helping them become committed followers.
• The word for "again" is ὑποστρέφω (hupostrephō), which means to return or go back. This emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas deliberately revisited cities where they had already ministered, rather than moving on to entirely new places.

Why Acts 14:21 matters

• This verse clarifies that Paul and Barnabas were not only focused on reaching new people, but also on strengthening and supporting those who had already responded to their message.
• The mention of returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch connects this verse to earlier events in Acts, showing a pattern of follow-up and care for new communities of believers.
• Understanding the original words for "gospel" and "taught" highlights that their work involved both sharing the message and helping people grow in faith, not just one or the other.