Acts 14:25 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:25 mean?

Acts 14:25 describes how Paul and Barnabas, after preaching the message about Jesus in the city of Perga, traveled down to another city called Attalia. This verse simply records their movement as they continued their missionary journey.

Paul and Barnabas are the main figures here, and they are traveling through the region of Pamphylia in what is now southern Turkey. The verse highlights their commitment to spreading the Christian message ("the word") in each city they visited. Attalia was a port city, which suggests they were preparing for the next stage of their travels, likely by sea.

The Greek behind Acts 14:25

• λόγον (logon, "word"): This Greek word often means "message" or "teaching." In this context, it refers to the good news about Jesus that Paul and Barnabas were sharing.
• κατέβησαν (katebēsan, "went down"): The Greek carries the sense of descending, which fits the geography—Perga was inland and at a higher elevation, while Attalia was on the coast.

Why Acts 14:25 matters

• This verse shows that Paul and Barnabas did not skip over smaller or less prominent cities; they preached wherever they went, emphasizing the thoroughness of their mission.
• The mention of specific cities helps readers trace the real historical and geographical path of the early Christian movement.
• By noting their travel to a port city, the verse sets up the next phase of their journey, showing the practical steps involved in spreading their message further.