Acts 14:27
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
Original Language Analysis
παραγενόμενοι
when they were come
G3854
παραγενόμενοι
when they were come
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
1 of 20
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συναγαγόντες
had gathered
G4863
συναγαγόντες
had gathered
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
4 of 20
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαν
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίαν
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
6 of 20
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ἐποίησεν
had done
G4160
ἐποίησεν
had done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
that God
G2316
θεὸς
that God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 20
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
how
G3754
ὅτι
how
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἤνοιξεν
he had opened
G455
ἤνοιξεν
he had opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
16 of 20
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνεσιν
unto the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
unto the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
18 of 20
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.Acts 15:12Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.Colossians 4:3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:2 Corinthians 2:12Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,1 Corinthians 5:4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.Romans 15:18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,1 Corinthians 11:18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.John 9:10Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Historical Context
Returning to Antioch (AD 49) after the first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas reported to the sending church, establishing pattern for missionary accountability. Their emphasis on the 'door of faith' for Gentiles prepared the church for upcoming debates resolved at the Jerusalem Council.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as the one who 'opens doors' shape missionary attitude and practice?
- Why is reporting and accountability to sending churches important for missionary work?
Analysis & Commentary
The missionaries' report upon returning emphasized 'how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles,' attributing success to God's action. The metaphor of God 'opening the door' shows divine initiative in creating gospel opportunities. Their rehearsal of 'all that God had done with them' demonstrates accountability and partnership with the sending church.