And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

ACTS 14:27KJV
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Acts 14:27 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:27 mean?

Acts 14:27 describes how Paul and Barnabas, after returning from their missionary journey, gathered the local church and shared everything God had done through them, especially how God had made it possible for non-Jewish people (Gentiles) to believe in Jesus. The verse highlights that God himself had opened a way for people outside the Jewish community to have faith.

Paul and Barnabas are speaking to the gathered church in Antioch after their travels. They are reporting back to fellow believers, recounting both their experiences and the new development that Gentiles are now welcomed into faith. This moment marks a turning point in the early Christian movement, showing that the message of Jesus is for all people, not just for Jews.

The Greek behind Acts 14:27

  • "ἐκκλησία" (ekklēsia, church): This word means an assembly or gathering, not just a building. It emphasizes that the church is the people coming together.
  • "ἔθνεσιν" (ethnesin, Gentiles): This word refers to nations or peoples who are not Jewish. Its use here underlines the widening scope of the Christian message.
  • "ἤνοιξεν θύραν πίστεως" (ēnoixen thyran pisteōs, opened the door of faith): The Greek phrase paints a vivid picture of God actively making a way for new people to enter into faith, suggesting an invitation and new opportunity that was not previously available.

Why Acts 14:27 matters

  • Acts 14:27 clarifies that the acceptance of Gentiles was not just a human decision but something God initiated, which would have reassured early Jewish believers who might have been uncertain.
  • The verse connects the local church in Antioch to the global mission, showing that what happened on the missionary journey affects the whole community.
  • This report sets the stage for later discussions in Acts about how Gentiles are to be included, making it a key moment in the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish roots.

Where else these words appear

“rehearsed” Greek G312 · used in 18 verses

  • Mark 5:14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
  • John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
  • Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

“come” Greek G3854 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

“door” Greek G2374 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“gathered” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.