Acts 14:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
κατὰ
both
G2596
κατὰ
both
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 25
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοὺς
together
G846
αὐτοὺς
together
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτοὺς
together
G846
αὐτοὺς
together
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγὴν
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγὴν
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
12 of 25
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὥστε
that
G5620
ὥστε
that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
18 of 25
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
πιστεῦσαι
believed
G4100
πιστεῦσαι
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
19 of 25
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἑλλήνων
of the Greeks
G1672
Ἑλλήνων
of the Greeks
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
23 of 25
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
Cross References
Acts 18:4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.Acts 13:51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.Acts 14:21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,Acts 19:8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
Iconium (modern Konya, Turkey) was a prosperous Phrygian city on Paul's first missionary journey (circa AD 47-48). Its synagogue had a substantial God-fearing Gentile constituency. This mixed response—Jewish and Greek converts alongside Jewish opposition—typified Paul's ministry pattern throughout Acts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'so spake' challenge you to depend on the Spirit's power rather than human persuasion techniques?
- What barriers between ethnic or social groups does the gospel break down in your church community?
Analysis & Commentary
They went both together into the synagogue—Paul and Barnabas maintained their pattern of synagogue evangelism, demonstrating continuity between Judaism and Christianity. The phrase so spake (Greek lalēsai houtōs) emphasizes rhetorical power and Spirit-anointed persuasiveness, not mere eloquence. The result—a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed—shows the gospel transcending ethnic barriers. The 'Greeks' (Ἑλλήνων) were God-fearing Gentiles already attached to the synagogue, prepared by monotheism for Messiah's claims.