Acts 14:28
And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Original Language Analysis
χρόνον
time
G5550
χρόνον
time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
4 of 9
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
ὀλίγον
G3641
ὀλίγον
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
6 of 9
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
7 of 9
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
Historical Context
This takes place around AD 49 in Syrian Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire and the first major center of Gentile Christianity. Paul and Barnabas had just returned from their groundbreaking mission to Cyprus and Asia Minor (modern Turkey), during which they faced persecution but saw many Gentiles come to faith. The extended stay in Antioch set the stage for the Jerusalem Council that would determine the future of Gentile inclusion in the church.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul and Barnabas's decision to 'abode long time' challenge modern missions strategies that prioritize rapid expansion over deep discipleship?
- What role does accountability to a sending church (Antioch) play in maintaining healthy missionary work?
- In what ways might you be tempted to move on to new ministries before adequately consolidating and discipling those you've already reached?
Analysis & Commentary
And there they abode long time with the disciples—After completing their first missionary journey (Acts 13-14), Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch (διέτριβον, dietribon, 'they spent time') with the church that had originally commissioned them. This extended stay (χρόνον οὐκ ὀλίγον, chronon ouk oligon, 'not a little time'—likely a year or more) was strategic: it allowed them to disciple new believers, strengthen the church, and report on God's work among the Gentiles.
This verse bridges the end of the first missionary journey with the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where the issue of Gentile salvation without circumcision would be definitively addressed. The phrase emphasizes the importance of remaining with disciples after evangelism—church planting was never merely about conversions, but about establishing mature communities of faith.