Acts 14:3
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Original Language Analysis
ἱκανὸν
Long
G2425
ἱκανὸν
Long
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
1 of 26
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
μὲν
therefore
G3303
μὲν
therefore
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
χρόνον
time
G5550
χρόνον
time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
4 of 26
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
παῤῥησιαζόμενοι
speaking boldly
G3955
παῤῥησιαζόμενοι
speaking boldly
Strong's:
G3955
Word #:
6 of 26
to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 26
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτυροῦντι
gave testimony
G3140
μαρτυροῦντι
gave testimony
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
11 of 26
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
unto the word
G3056
λόγῳ
unto the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
13 of 26
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτος
grace
G5485
χάριτος
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
15 of 26
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 26
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 #:
17 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διδόντι
granted
G1325
διδόντι
granted
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
18 of 26
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
σημεῖα
signs
G4592
σημεῖα
signs
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
19 of 26
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γίνεσθαι
to be done
G1096
γίνεσθαι
to be done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
22 of 26
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
23 of 26
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?Acts 20:32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Mark 16:20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.Acts 5:32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.Acts 2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.1 Thessalonians 2:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
Historical Context
The 'long time' (Greek hikanon chronon) suggests months of sustained ministry despite mounting opposition. The combination of bold preaching and miraculous confirmation paralleled Jesus' own ministry pattern and fulfilled His promise in Mark 16:20.
Questions for Reflection
- What enables 'speaking boldly in the Lord' when circumstances demand silence or compromise?
- How do you discern when to persist in hostile environments versus when to withdraw to more receptive fields?
Analysis & Commentary
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord—The Greek parrhēsiazomenoi (speaking boldly) describes fearless, frank speech despite opposition, a term repeatedly used in Acts for Spirit-empowered witness under pressure. The phrase in the Lord shows their boldness derived from union with Christ, not personal courage. The Lord's response—granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands—authenticated their message with divine credentials. These sēmeia kai terata (signs and wonders) validated apostolic authority, demonstrating that God endorsed their controversial gospel.