19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium , and having won over the crowds , they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city , supposing him to be dead . 20 But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city . The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe . 21 After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples , they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch , 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples , encouraging them to continue in the faith , and saying, " Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God ." 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church , having prayed with fasting , they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 14:19-23
Commentary on Acts 14:19-28
(Read Acts 14:19-28)
See how restless the rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Christ. The people stoned Paul, in a popular tumult. So strong is the bent of the corrupt and carnal heart, that as it is with great difficulty that men are kept back from evil on one side, so it is with great ease they are persuaded to evil on the other side. If Paul would have been Mercury, he might have been worshipped; but if he will be a faithful minister of Christ, he shall be stoned, and thrown out of the city. Thus men who easily submit to strong delusions, hate to receive the truth in the love of it. All who are converted need to be confirmed in the faith; all who are planted need to be rooted. Ministers' work is to establish saints as well as to awaken sinners. The grace of God, and nothing less, effectually establishes the souls of the disciples. It is true, we must count upon much tribulation, but it is encouragement that we shall not be lost and perish in it. The Person to whose power and grace the converts and the newly-established churches are commended, clearly was the Lord Jesus, "on whom they had believed." It was an act of worship. The praise of all the little good we do at any time, must be ascribed to God; for it is He who not only worketh in us both to will and to do, but also worketh with us to make what we do successful. All who love the Lord Jesus, will rejoice to hear that he has opened the door of faith wide, to those who were strangers to him and to his salvation. And let us, like the apostles, abide with those who know and love the Lord.