Acts 14:21
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
Original Language Analysis
Εὐαγγελισάμενοί
when they had preached the gospel
G2097
Εὐαγγελισάμενοί
when they had preached the gospel
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
1 of 16
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνην
to that
G1565
ἐκείνην
to that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 16
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μαθητεύσαντες
had taught
G3100
μαθητεύσαντες
had taught
Strong's:
G3100
Word #:
7 of 16
intransitively, to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e., enrol as scholar
ἱκανοὺς
many
G2425
ἱκανοὺς
many
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
8 of 16
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
ὑπέστρεψαν
they returned again
G5290
ὑπέστρεψαν
they returned again
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
9 of 16
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 16
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 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 14:1And 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.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 13:51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.Acts 14:6They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:Acts 13:14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:2 Timothy 3:11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Historical Context
Derbe was the easternmost point of Paul's first missionary journey. Rather than continuing east toward his home region (Tarsus in Cilicia), Paul retraced dangerous steps westward to strengthen infant churches. This decision risked further violence but prioritized discipleship over convenience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's return to dangerous cities challenge comfort-seeking patterns in modern ministry?
- What does the distinction between 'preaching' and 'making disciples' teach about gospel work's true completion?
Analysis & Commentary
When they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many (εὐαγγελισάμενοί τε τὴν πόλιν ἐκείνην καὶ μαθητεύσαντες ἱκανούς)—The verb mathēteuō (made disciples) indicates successful gospel work in Derbe despite recent persecution. Then they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch—this requires careful attention. Paul intentionally revisited cities where he'd faced violence, strengthening new believers at personal risk.
This return journey demonstrates apostolic priorities: establishing converts mattered more than personal safety. The geographical backtracking through hostile territory reveals Paul's pastoral heart, refusing to abandon new disciples to navigate persecution alone. This pattern of return visits became standard Pauline practice (Acts 15:36, 18:23).