What is the meaning of Acts 14:3?

So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there

• The Spirit led them to stay, not rush on. This choice models patient discipleship (Acts 18:11).

• Remaining “considerable time” allowed deep teaching, formation of leaders, and strengthened faith in a hostile setting (Acts 13:49; Galatians 4:13–14).

• Faithful presence rather than brief visits shows God’s heart—a shepherd who lingers with His flock (John 10:14–15).

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speaking boldly for the Lord

• Their courage flowed from the Holy Spirit’s power, not personality (Acts 4:31: “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly,”).

• Bold speech centers on Christ, confronting error while offering grace (Ephesians 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:7–8).

• Boldness here is obedience, proving they “must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

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who affirmed the message of His grace

• The gospel is called “the message of His grace” (Acts 20:24), emphasizing unearned favor.

• God Himself “affirmed” (or confirmed) that message, showing He stands behind every word (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3–4).

• Grace, not human eloquence, is the saving power (Romans 1:16; Titus 2:11). The Lord takes personal responsibility to validate it.

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by enabling them to perform signs and wonders

• Miracles functioned as divine signatures. Acts 2:43 notes, “A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs,”.

• Signs pointed to Christ, never to the miracle-workers (Acts 3:12–13).

• They authenticated apostolic authority (2 Corinthians 12:12) and advanced the mission (Romans 15:18–19).

• While God may still work supernaturally, Scripture remains the sufficient, complete testimony of His grace (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

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summary

Acts 14:3 shows persistent ministry, Spirit-empowered boldness, God’s active confirmation of the gospel, and miraculous signs all working together. The passage reassures believers that when we faithfully proclaim the grace of Christ, the Lord Himself validates the message and advances His kingdom in His chosen ways.