1 AND it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, [ Again notice the first place Paul goes when he enters the city to preach. Why the Synagogue? 1) They were interested in learning about religion vs the philosophers who were more interested in the debate. They had over 300 prophecies about Christ/the Messiah and so it was a good audience to teach about the fulfillment of those prophecies. They had a good starting point of belief. 2) When he spoke one day people would go home and tell their friends and when he returned the next day he would have more referrals or warm contacts - pretty smart. ] and so spake, [ Spoke so well. ] that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

2 But the unbelieving Jews [ Again most of these were the priests of the Jews, they had everything to loose if Christianity took off any more than it had. ] stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: [ Now we have a problem. There are getting to be too many believers, they city is pretty much divided. ] and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, [ Again the Priests of the Jews were the ones who caused all of the trouble and got people riled up in an effort to stone Paul. ] to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

7 And there they preached the gospel.

8 ¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:

9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. [ Compare to Acts 3 - it is as if Luke is trying to demonstrate that even though Peter was the head of the church, Paul was not one bit behind him as far as performing the work to which he was called. Notice the faith as he leaped to his feet he was not timid in his faith.]

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

12 And they called Barnabas, [he is the Senior companion] Jupiter; [meaning Zeus] and Paul, Mercurius, [meaning Hermes - What was Hermes role? He was the Herald of the Gods or the sopkesman for the Gods. So we can conclude that Paul was doing most of the talking. Paul is the younger of the 2 apostles and would be about 40 years old at this time.] because he was the chief speaker.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. [One group of people is so enthraled with these two missionaries that they think they are Gods and want to offer sacrifice to them - all while another group wants to kill them]

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. [ At least they thought he was dead - DocNT Commentary suggests that he was dead and Barnabas raised him from the dead. ]

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. [ This is the area were Timothy lived. Timothy's father was a greek and so it was most likely at this point in time that Timothy was brought into the church. ]

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again [ So the first time thru they taught the gospel, converted them, baptised and confirmed members - and on their return they ordained Elders and set up branches of the church. Paul sure has some guts as he retuens to the very cities from which he was stoned - most would avoid returning. ] to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22  Confirming [ To make a person stronger. ] the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation [ Or just because you have faith and believe does not mean that you will not be subject to tribulation in life. You will still have the same problems and trails as anyone else will have you are not free from trial. Joseph Smith said "that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things does not have the power to save." ] enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, [the one in Turkey - today it is called Angora] from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.