Acts 14:2
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπήγειραν
stirred up
G1892
ἐπήγειραν
stirred up
Strong's:
G1892
Word #:
5 of 14
to rouse upon, i.e., (figuratively) to excite against
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὰς
their minds
G5590
ψυχὰς
their minds
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
9 of 14
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
11 of 14
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.Acts 14:19And 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.Acts 17:5But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.Acts 13:45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.Acts 17:13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
Historical Context
In Roman Asia Minor, Jews had legal protections and social influence. By portraying Paul and Barnabas as disturbers of peace threatening social stability, opponents could mobilize Roman authorities and pagan populations against the missionaries. This strategy reappeared throughout Acts.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when opposition comes through manipulation of public opinion rather than direct confrontation?
- What does 'poisoned the souls' teach about the lasting damage of slander and how to combat it?
Analysis & Commentary
The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles—The Greek ēgeiran (stirred up) suggests deliberate agitation, arousing latent hostility. Made their minds evil affected translates ekakōsan tas psychas (poisoned the souls), depicting systematic corruption of attitudes through slander. This reveals how religious opposition weaponizes community sentiment against Christ's witnesses. The 'unbelieving Jews' (hoi apeithēsantes Ioudaioi—the disobedient Jews) shows unbelief as active rebellion, not passive doubt. Their tactics converted theological disagreement into civic persecution.