Acts 14:6
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
Original Language Analysis
συνιδόντες
They were ware
G4894
συνιδόντες
They were ware
Strong's:
G4894
Word #:
1 of 13
to see completely; used (like its primary) only in two past tenses, respectively meaning to understand or become aware, and to be conscious or (clande
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεις
cities
G4172
πόλεις
cities
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
5 of 13
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.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
Lystra (18 miles south) and Derbe (60 miles southeast) were in the Lycaonian ethnos, distinct from Phrygian Iconium. These cities had smaller Jewish populations, reducing initial opposition risk. Lystra would prove receptive (Timothy's hometown, Acts 16:1), illustrating how persecution opened new gospel doors.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern when 'standing firm' crosses into presumption versus when withdrawal is wise stewardship?
- What opportunities has God opened for you through forced changes in plans or location?
Analysis & Commentary
They were ware of it, and fled—The apostles' strategic retreat demonstrates wisdom, not cowardice. The Greek synidontes (being aware) suggests advance warning, possibly from converts. Jesus had instructed His disciples to flee persecution when possible (Matthew 10:23). Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia—fleeing to these less sophisticated cities provided temporary safety but also new mission fields. The phrase and unto the region that lieth round about shows continued evangelistic purpose during retreat. Flight wasn't abandonment but tactical repositioning for continued ministry.