Acts 14:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἱκανὸν

G2425

Long

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

μὲν

G3303

therefore

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

χρόνον

G5550

time

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

διέτριψαν

G1304

abode they

to wear through (time), i.e., remain

παῤῥησιαζόμενοι

G3955

speaking boldly

to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor

ἐπὶ

G1909

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

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίῳ

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#10

τῶν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

μαρτυροῦντι

G3140

gave testimony

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

#12

τῶν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

λόγῳ

G3056

unto the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#14

τῶν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

χάριτος

G5485

grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

#16

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

διδόντι

G1325

granted

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#19

σημεῖα

G4592

signs

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

τέρατα

G5059

wonders

a prodigy or omen

#22

γίνεσθαι

G1096

to be done

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#23

διὰ

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#24

τῶν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

χειρῶν

G5495

hands

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#26

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding grace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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