Acts 14:21

Verse

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

American Standard Version (1901)

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,

Bible in Basic English

And having made a number of disciples through the preaching of the good news in that town, they went back to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch,

Douay-Rheims 1899

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

Free Bible Version

After sharing the good news with the people in that town, and after many had become believers, they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.

Geneva Bible 1599

And after they had preached the glad tidings of the Gospel to that citie, and had taught many, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antiochia,

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Plain English Version

Paul and Barnabas told the people there the good news about Jesus, and a lot of people believed in him. Paul and Barnabas helped the new churches in each town After that, Paul and Barnabas went back to Listra, and Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia country.

Translation for Translators

They stayed there several days and they kept telling the people the good message about Jesus. Many people became believers. After that, Paul and Barnabas started on their way back. They went again to Lystra. Then they went from there to Iconium, and then they went to Antioch in Pisidia province.

Unlocked Literal Bible

After they had proclaimed the gospel in that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch.

Noah Webster 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,

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,

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,

Context

Strengthening the Disciples

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.²¹They 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.

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Summary

In Acts 14:21, we see Paul and Barnabas completing their first missionary journey, returning to the cities where they had preached the Gospel and made disciples. Their focus was on strengthening and encouraging the new believers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the faith. This verse highlights the ongoing work of discipleship and nurturing spiritual growth in the early Christian communities. It serves as a reminder of the commitment required to support and build up fellow believers in their walk with Christ. Paul and Barnabas exemplify the dedication and care needed to help new followers of Jesus mature in their faith.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Preached the Gospel to that city - Derbe, a city in the same province. See on Act 14:6 (note). They returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium - Behold the courage of these Christian men! They counted not their lives dear to them, and returned to do their Masters work in the very places in which they had been so grievously persecuted, and where one of them had been apparently stoned to death! The man who knows he is God's ambassador, and that his life depends on his fidelity to his Master, knows he has nothing but his God to fear.