Acts 14:20

"But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead."

Key Reflection

This passage highlights the intense opposition Paul faced, symbolizing the conflict between faith and apostasy. The Jews' actions reflect a hardened rejection of the gospel, paralleling their earlier readiness to worship Paul as a god, illustrating the rapid shift from curiosity to hostility among some in the crowd.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 20. Howbeit. But. Notwithstanding the supposition that he was dead. As the disciples stood round about him. It would seem that they did not suppose that he was dead; but might be expecting that he would revive. He rose up, etc. Most commentators have supposed that this was the effect of a miracle. They have maintained that he could not have risen so soon, and entered into the city, without the interposition of miraculous power.--(Calvin, Doddridge, Clark, etc.) But the commentators have asserted that which is not intimated by the sacred penman. Nor is there propriety in supposing the intervention of miraculous agency where it is not necessary.

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