Acts 14:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
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
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀναστὰς
he rose up
G450
ἀναστὰς
he rose up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
6 of 19
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 19
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 #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλιν
the city
G4172
πόλιν
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
10 of 19
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαύριον
the next day
G1887
ἐπαύριον
the next day
Strong's:
G1887
Word #:
13 of 19
occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
15 of 19
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Βαρναβᾷ
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾷ
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
17 of 19
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
Historical Context
Stoning typically resulted in death (Stephen, Acts 7:58-60). The disciples' protective circle and Paul's recovery within hours seem providential. Jewish opponents from Antioch and Iconium (v. 19) had tracked Paul to Lystra, showing coordinated resistance to gospel advance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance courageous faithfulness with prudent wisdom when facing opposition?
- What does Paul's immediate return to ministry after trauma teach about resilience in Christian calling?
Analysis & Commentary
As the disciples stood round about him, he rose up—After being stoned and dragged outside the city as dead, Paul's recovery was either miraculous preservation or resurrection. The Greek simply states anastas (rising up), the same word used for resurrection, leaving the nature of recovery ambiguous. That he came into the city (εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν) immediately after attempted murder demonstrates apostolic courage matching Christ's resolve toward Jerusalem.
The next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe—Paul's swift departure balanced courage with wisdom, not testing God's protection needlessly. His physical resilience and mental fortitude to continue missionary work after near-death reveals grace sustaining those called to suffering witness.