Acts 14:2
New International Version
But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

New Living Translation
Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas.

English Standard Version
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Berean Standard Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Berean Literal Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers.

King James Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

New King James Version
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.

New American Standard Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brothers.

NASB 1995
But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.

NASB 1977
But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles, and embittered them against the brethren.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the unbelieving Jews instigated and embittered the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers.

Amplified Bible
but the unbelieving Jews [who rejected Jesus as Messiah] stirred up and embittered the minds of the Gentiles against the believers.

Christian Standard Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers.

American Standard Version
But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.

Contemporary English Version
But the Jews who did not have faith in him made the other Gentiles angry and turned them against the Lord's followers.

English Revised Version
But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up some people who were not Jewish and poisoned their minds against the believers.

Good News Translation
But the Jews who would not believe stirred up the Gentiles and turned them against the believers.

International Standard Version
But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Majority Standard Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

NET Bible
But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

New Heart English Bible
But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the non-Jewish people against the brothers.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil-affected against the brethren.

Weymouth New Testament
But the Jews who had refused obedience stirred up the Gentiles and embittered their minds against the brethren.

World English Bible
But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the unbelieving Jews stirred up and made the souls of the nations evil against the brothers;

Berean Literal Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers.

Young's Literal Translation
and the unbelieving Jews did stir up and made evil the souls of the nations against the brethren;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the unbelieving Jews excited and trained up the souls of the nations against the brethren.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and incensed the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, the Jews who were unbelieving had incited and enflamed the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers.

New American Bible
although the disbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers.

New Revised Standard Version
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the Jews who would not listen stirred up the Gentiles to oppress the brethren.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the Jews who were unconvinced stirred up the Gentiles to harm the brethren.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But the unbelieving Jews excited and embittered the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren.

Godbey New Testament
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren.

Haweis New Testament
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up, and maliciously prejudiced the spirits of the Gentiles against the brethren.

Mace New Testament
but the disbelieving Jews practis'd upon the Gentiles, and inflam'd their minds against the brethren.

Weymouth New Testament
But the Jews who had refused obedience stirred up the Gentiles and embittered their minds against the brethren.

Worrell New Testament
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the gentiles against the brethren.

Worsley New Testament
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and inflamed the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul and Barnabas at Iconium
1At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so well that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.…

Cross References
John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

Matthew 10:21-22
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. / You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

1 Peter 4:12-14
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Romans 8:7
because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

1 John 3:13
So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.

Luke 21:16-17
You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. / And you will be hated by everyone because of My name.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

Philippians 1:28-30
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God. / For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, / who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, / hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.

Hebrews 10:32-33
Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering. / Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated.

Psalm 2:1-2
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:


Treasury of Scripture

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brothers.

Acts 14:19
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Acts 13:45,50
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming…

Acts 17:5,13
But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people…

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Affected Believe Bitter Disbelieved Disobedient Embittered Evil Faith Gentiles Jews Minds Nations Obedience Poisoned Refused Souls Stir Stirred Unbelieving
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Affected Believe Bitter Disbelieved Disobedient Embittered Evil Faith Gentiles Jews Minds Nations Obedience Poisoned Refused Souls Stir Stirred Unbelieving
Acts 14
1. Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium.
8. At Lystra Paul heals a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods.
19. Paul is stoned.
21. They pass through various churches, confirming the disciples in faith and patience.
26. Returning to Antioch, they report what God had done with them.














But the unbelieving Jews
In the context of Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas are on their first missionary journey, having been sent out by the church in Antioch. The term "unbelieving Jews" refers to those Jewish individuals who rejected the message of the Gospel that Paul and Barnabas were preaching. This rejection is consistent with the pattern seen throughout the Book of Acts, where the Gospel is first presented to the Jews, and upon their rejection, it is then offered to the Gentiles. This phrase highlights the division within the Jewish community between those who accepted Jesus as the Messiah and those who did not. Historically, the Jewish leaders often felt threatened by the new Christian movement, which they perceived as a deviation from traditional Jewish beliefs.

stirred up the Gentiles
The act of stirring up the Gentiles indicates an intentional effort by the unbelieving Jews to incite opposition against Paul and Barnabas. This reflects a common tactic used by opponents of the early church, as seen in other parts of Acts (e.g., Acts 13:50, Acts 17:5). The Gentiles, who were non-Jews, were often more open to the Gospel message, as they were not bound by Jewish law and tradition. However, they could be easily influenced by the local Jewish population, who held significant sway in many communities. This phrase underscores the tension between the Jewish and Gentile populations and the challenges faced by the early church in spreading the Gospel.

and poisoned their minds
The phrase "poisoned their minds" suggests a deliberate attempt to corrupt or distort the perception of the Gentiles regarding the message and character of Paul and Barnabas. This could involve spreading false information, rumors, or emphasizing cultural and religious differences to create distrust. The use of the word "poisoned" implies a deep-seated and harmful influence, akin to the way poison affects the body. This reflects the spiritual warfare that the early church faced, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

against the brothers
The term "brothers" refers to the Christian community, specifically Paul and Barnabas in this context. It emphasizes the familial bond among believers, a common theme in the New Testament, where Christians are often referred to as brothers and sisters in Christ (e.g., Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:9). This phrase highlights the unity and solidarity of the early church, which was often under attack from external forces. The opposition faced by Paul and Barnabas serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the perseverance required to spread the Gospel, as Jesus Himself warned in John 15:18-20.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Unbelieving Jews
These were Jewish individuals who did not accept the message of the Gospel that Paul and Barnabas were preaching. Their disbelief led them to actively oppose the spread of Christianity.

2. Gentiles
Non-Jewish people who were being reached with the Gospel message. In this context, they were influenced by the unbelieving Jews to oppose the Christian missionaries.

3. Paul and Barnabas
Early Christian missionaries spreading the Gospel. They were the "brothers" mentioned in the verse, facing opposition in their mission.

4. Iconium
The city where these events took place. It was a significant location for early Christian missionary work.

5. Poisoned Minds
This phrase indicates the negative influence and false information spread by the unbelieving Jews to turn the Gentiles against the Christian message.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Opposition
Christians should expect opposition when spreading the Gospel. Just as Paul and Barnabas faced resistance, believers today may encounter similar challenges.

Guarding the Mind
The phrase "poisoned their minds" highlights the importance of guarding our thoughts and being discerning about the influences we allow into our lives.

Perseverance in Mission
Despite opposition, Paul and Barnabas continued their mission. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our calling.

The Power of Influence
The unbelieving Jews were able to sway the Gentiles. This reminds us of the power of influence and the responsibility we have to use it for good.

Unity Among Believers
The opposition was against "the brothers," indicating the need for unity and support among believers when facing external challenges.(2) The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles . . .--It is the distinguishing feature of nearly all the persecutions in the Acts that they originated in the hostility of the Jews. The case of Demetrius furnishes almost the only exception (Acts 19:24), and even there the Jews apparently fomented the enmity of the Greek craftsmen. So at a considerably later date (A.D. 169) we find them prominent in bringing about the persecution which ended in the death of Polycarp at Smyrna (Mart. Polyc. c. 13).

Verse 2. - The Jews that were disobedient for the unbelieving Jews, A.V. and T.R.; stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them, etc., for stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds, etc., A.V. The Jews that were disobedient. The R.T. (ἀπειθήσαντες) may equally and even better be rendered, the Jews that were unbelieving (comp. John 3:36, where πιστεύων and ἀπειθῶν αρε opposed to each other, and Romans 11:30-32, where the idea of belief is far more appropriate than that of obedience). Stirred up the souls, etc. St. Paul speaks with much warmth of the constant opposition of the Jews, "forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved" (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

unbelieving
ἀπειθήσαντες (apeithēsantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 544: To disobey, rebel, be disloyal, refuse conformity. From apeithes; to disbelieve.

Jews
Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

stirred up
ἐπήγειραν (epēgeiran)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1892: To arouse, stimulate, excite against. From epi and egeiro; to rouse upon, i.e. to excite against.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Gentiles
ἐθνῶν (ethnōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

poisoned
ἐκάκωσαν (ekakōsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2559: To treat badly, afflict, embitter, make angry. From kakos; to injure; figuratively, to exasperate.

[their]
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

minds
ψυχὰς (psychas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

brothers.
ἀδελφῶν (adelphōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.


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