Acts 14:21
New International Version
They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,

New Living Translation
After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia,

English Standard Version
When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Berean Standard Bible
They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Berean Literal Bible
And having proclaimed the gospel to that city and having discipled many, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

King James Bible
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

New King James Version
And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

New American Standard Bible
And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made a good number of disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,

NASB 1995
After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

NASB 1977
And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Legacy Standard Bible
And after they had proclaimed the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Amplified Bible
They preached the good news to that city and made many disciples, then they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Berean Annotated Bible
They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples (pupils). Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Christian Standard Bible
After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,

American Standard Version
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Contemporary English Version
Paul and Barnabas preached the good news in Derbe and won some people to the Lord. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia.

English Revised Version
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They spread the Good News in that city and won many disciples. Then they went back to the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (which is in Pisidia).

Good News Translation
Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News in Derbe and won many disciples. Then they went back to Lystra, to Iconium, and on to Antioch in Pisidia.

International Standard Version
As they were proclaiming the good news in that city, they discipled a large number of people. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

NET Bible
After they had proclaimed the good news in that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch.

New Heart English Bible
When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Weymouth New Testament
and, after proclaiming the Good News to the people there and gaining a large number of converts, they retraced their steps to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

World English Bible
When they had preached the Good News to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Having also proclaimed good news to that city, and having discipled many, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,

Berean Literal Bible
And having proclaimed the gospel to that city and having discipled many, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Young's Literal Translation
Having proclaimed good news also to that city, and having discipled many, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having announced that city the good news, and made disciples sufficient, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they had evangelized that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

New American Bible
After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.

New Revised Standard Version
After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when they had preached the gospel to the people of that city, and had converted many, then they returned to the city of Lys’tra, and to I-co’ni-um, and An’ti-och,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
While they were preaching to the people of that city, they discipled many and they returned and came to Lystra and to Iqonion and to Antiakia,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,

Godbey New Testament
and preaching the gospel to that city, and making many disciples, they returned into Lystra, and into Iconium, and into Antioch,

Haweis New Testament
And after preaching the gospel in that city, and bringing many to become disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch;

Mace New Testament
After they had preach'd the gospel in that city, and made many disciples, they retook the road to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,

Weymouth New Testament
and, after proclaiming the Good News to the people there and gaining a large number of converts, they retraced their steps to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.

Worrell New Testament
And, having proclaimed the glad tidings to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch;

Worsley New Testament
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch;

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Return to Syrian Antioch
20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.…

Cross References
They preached the gospel to that city

Luke 8:1
Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him,

Matthew 9:35
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.

Matthew 11:1
After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
and made many disciples.

John 4:1
When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 6:7
So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Acts 15:36
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

2 Timothy 3:11
my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

Acts 18:23
After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Mark 16:15-16
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. / Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 11:19-21
Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. / But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. / The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Acts 13:48-49
When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. / And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.

Acts 16:5
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Acts 18:8-11
Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized. / One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” …

Acts 19:10
This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.


Treasury of Scripture

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

taught many.

Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Lystra.

Acts 14:1,6,8,19
And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed…

Acts 13:14,51
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down…

Acts 15:36
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

Jump to Previous
Announced Antioch City Converts Discipled Disciples Gaining Glad Good Gospel Iconium Ico'nium Lystra News Preached Proclaimed Proclaiming Retraced Steps Taught Turned Won
Jump to Next
Announced Antioch City Converts Discipled Disciples Gaining Glad Good Gospel Iconium Ico'nium Lystra News Preached Proclaimed Proclaiming Retraced Steps Taught Turned Won
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.












They preached the gospel to that city

Derbe, a Lycaonian city in Asia Minor, received Paul and Barnabas after the violent opposition they faced in Lystra. Their work centered on proclaiming Jesus Christ and calling people to faith in Him.

Luk 8:1 Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village…
Mat 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages,…
Mat 11:1 After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples…

and made many disciples.

Many in Derbe believed, forming a body of new believers who needed instruction and encouragement in the faith.

Jhn 4:1 When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware…
Mat 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,…
Act 6:7 So the word of God continued to spread…

Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Rather than taking an easier route home, Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps through cities where opposition had been fierce. Paul had been stoned in Lystra, and both men had faced resistance in Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia. Their return showed their concern for the churches they had established and their commitment to strengthen the disciples before departing.

Act 15:36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go back…
2Ti 3:11 my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me…
Act 18:23 After Paul had spent some time in Antioch,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul and Barnabas
The primary missionaries in this passage, who are actively spreading the gospel and making disciples.

2. The City
Refers to Derbe, where Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and made many disciples.

3. Lystra
A city where Paul and Barnabas had previously faced persecution but returned to strengthen the disciples.

4. Iconium
Another city where they had preached earlier and faced opposition, yet they returned to encourage the believers.

5. Antioch
Refers to Pisidian Antioch, a place where Paul and Barnabas had initially preached and faced resistance.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Perseverance in Ministry
Despite facing persecution, Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities where they had been opposed. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and commitment in our ministry efforts.

Disciple-Making as a Core Mission
The passage emphasizes making disciples as a central mission of the church. We are called to not only share the gospel but also to nurture and grow new believers in their faith.

Strengthening and Encouraging Believers
Paul and Barnabas's return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch highlights the need to strengthen and encourage fellow believers, especially in the face of trials.

The Role of Community in Faith
The return to these cities underscores the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian faith, as believers are encouraged and supported by one another.

Faithfulness to God's Call
Paul and Barnabas's journey reflects their faithfulness to God's call, reminding us to remain faithful to the mission God has given us, regardless of challenges.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 14:21?

2. How can we "strengthen the disciples" in our own church community today?

3. What does "encouraging them to continue in the faith" look like practically?

4. How does Acts 14:21 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

5. What challenges might we face when "preaching the gospel" in today's society?

6. How can we apply the perseverance shown in Acts 14:21 to our lives?

7. What does Acts 14:21 reveal about the early church's mission strategy?

8. How does Acts 14:21 emphasize the importance of discipleship in Christianity?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 14:21?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 14?


(21) And had taught many.--Better, made many disciples. The word is the same as in Matthew 28:19. Among these we may note Gaius, or Caius, afterwards conspicuous as one of St. Paul's companions (Acts 20:4). The work done implies a stay of, it may be, some months' duration. During this time the violence of the hostility of the Jews at Antioch and Iconium had probably subsided, and the Apostles could revisit those cities, as they retraced their steps, without any great danger.

Verse 21. - Made many disciples for taught many, A.V.; returned for returned again, A.V.; to Antioch for Antioch, A.V. Made many disciples (μαθητεύσαντες ἱκανοὺς); comp. Matthew 28:19. What admirable constancy thus to run fresh risks to life and limb in order to win souls to Christ!

Acts 14:21 captures a full-orbed cycle of gospel ministry. Paul and Barnabas evangelize boldly, disciple deeply, and shepherd faithfully—even at personal risk. The verse calls modern believers to the same pattern: announce the saving work of Christ, invest in growing disciples, and nurture young churches until they stand firm in faith.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They preached the gospel to
Εὐαγγελισάμενοί (Euangelisamenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2097: From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

that
ἐκείνην (ekeinēn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

city
πόλιν (polin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

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

made many disciples.
μαθητεύσαντες (mathēteusantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3100: From mathetes; intransitively, to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e. Enrol as scholar.

[Then] they returned
ὑπέστρεψαν (hypestrepsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5290: To turn back, return. From hupo and strepho; to turn under, i.e. To return.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Lystra,
Λύστραν (Lystran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3082: Lystra, a place in Asia Minor.

Iconium,
Ἰκόνιον (Ikonion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2430: Perhaps from eikon; image-like; Iconium, a place in Asia Minor.

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

Antioch,
Ἀντιόχειαν (Antiocheian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 490: From Antiochus; Antiochia, a place in Syria.


Additonal Resources
Acts 14:21 Blue Letter Bible
Acts 14:21 Bible Gateway
Acts 14:21 Bible.com

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Acts 14:21 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 14:21 When they had preached the Good News (Acts of the Apostles Ac)

Acts 14:20
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