Acts 14:3

"But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers."

Key Reflection

The sentence highlights a strategic opposition by unbelieving Jewish opponents who sought to create division between the early Christian community and non-Jewish converts, effectively pitting them against each other with animosity. This reflects the ongoing tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians throughout the New Testament period, as they navigated shared faith while addressing cultural and theological differences.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 3. Long time therefore. In this city they were not daunted by persecution. It seems probable that there were here no forcible or public measures to expel them, as there had been at Antioch, Ac 13:50, and they therefore regarded it as their duty to remain. God granted them here also great success, which was the main reason for their continuing a long time. Persecution and opposition may be attended often with signal success to the gospel. Speaking boldly in the Lord. In the cause of the Lord Jesus; or in his name and authority. Perhaps also the expression includes the idea of their trusting in the Lord. Which gave testimony.

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