Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

ACTS 14:3KJV
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Acts 14:3 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:3 mean?

Acts 14:3 describes how Paul and Barnabas stayed in the city for a long time, speaking boldly about Jesus, and God confirmed their message by allowing them to perform miraculous signs and wonders. The verse highlights both their courage in sharing the message and God's active support through miracles.

Paul and Barnabas were in Iconium, facing opposition but choosing to remain and continue teaching about Jesus "boldly in the Lord." The verse shows that their message about God's grace was not just words—God gave visible proof by granting them the ability to do signs and wonders. This helped convince people that their message was true, even in a challenging environment.

The Greek behind Acts 14:3

  • "Boldly" (παρρησιαζόμενοι, parrēsiazomenoi): This word means speaking openly, confidently, or without fear. It emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas were not timid or cautious, but spoke with courage despite opposition.
  • "Word" (λόγος, logos) and "grace" (χάριτος, charitos): The phrase "word of his grace" points to the core message Paul and Barnabas were sharing—God's kindness and favor, not something earned, but given.
  • "Signs" (σημεῖα, sēmeia) and "wonders" (τέρατα, terata): These terms refer to miraculous events that served as evidence of God's power and approval. "Signs" often point to meaning or purpose, while "wonders" stress the amazement they caused.

Why Acts 14:3 matters

  • Acts 14:3 clarifies that the apostles' boldness was not reckless, but rooted in trust that God was with them and confirming their message.
  • The verse shows that miracles in Acts were not random; they were specifically granted by God to support the message about Jesus and God's grace.
  • This verse connects to the larger story in Acts, where opposition and hardship often led to even greater demonstrations of faith and divine support, encouraging readers that difficulty does not mean God is absent.

Where else these words appear

“boldly” Greek G3955 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
  • Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
  • Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

“they” Greek G1304 · used in 10 verses

  • John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
  • Acts 14:28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
  • Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

“wonders” Greek G5059 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
  • Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
  • Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

“Long” Greek G2425 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.