Acts 14:21
What does Acts 14:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 14:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 14:21 means
In Derbe, Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel and make “many disciples,” showing that fruitfulness follows faithfulness despite previous suffering. Then, rather than taking an easier route home, they return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch—the very places of persecution—to strengthen new believers. Evangelism is joined to discipleship; converts are to be formed, not merely counted. Their return demonstrates pastoral responsibility and confidence in God’s protection. The mission is not a hit-and-run campaign; it is a planting and building work. This verse highlights the cycle of gospel ministry: proclamation leading to discipleship, then consolidation and care for young churches.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And having made a number of disciples through the preaching of the good news in that town, they went back to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Having proclaimed good news also to that city, and having discipled many, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having announced the glad tidings to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,
Context
Following Paul’s recovery and departure to Derbe (verse 20), verse 21 reports significant success there. The narrative then shifts from expansion to consolidation as they retrace their steps. This sets up verse 22’s description of strengthening and exhortation, including sober teaching about tribulations. Verses 23–26 will detail the appointment of elders and the journey back to Antioch. Thus, verse 21 marks the pivot from outward advance to intentional pastoral follow-up, which is essential for enduring church health.
v.20But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and entered into the city: and on the morrow he went forth with Barnabas to Derbe.
v.21This passage
v.22confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
- Acts 15:36
And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare.
- 2 Timothy 3:11
persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: and out of them all the Lord delivered me.
- Acts 14:8
And at Lystra there sat a certain man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked.
- Acts 14:6
they became aware of it, and fled unto the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region round about:
- Acts 16:2
The same was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
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