Acts 14:3
What does Acts 14:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 14:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 14:3 means
Rather than retreating at the first sign of hostility, Paul and Barnabas stayed “a long time,” speaking boldly “in the Lord.” Their confidence rested not in themselves but in the Lord who confirmed “the word of his grace” through signs and wonders. The miracles were not entertainment; they were divine testimony that the gracious message about salvation is true. The phrase “word of his grace” centers the gospel as unearned favor from God, extended to sinners in Christ. Courage is sustained by conviction: when God bears witness, servants can endure. This verse reveals the partnership between proclamation and confirmation—truth preached, and God attesting it powerfully.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Long time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Long 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Long time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So they kept there for a long time, taking heart in the Lord, who gave witness to the word of his grace by causing signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862long time, indeed, therefore, did they abide speaking boldly in the Lord, who is testifying to the word of His grace, and granting signs and wonders to come to pass through their hands.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A long time therefore they abode there, dealing confidently in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They stayed therefore a good while, speaking boldly, [confiding] in the Lord, who gave witness to the word of his grace, giving signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Context
The narrative now slows to show perseverance amid pressure. Verse 3 balances the agitation of verse 2 with bold, Spirit-empowered ministry. It explains why the city does not immediately expel them: God is working, and many are being persuaded by word and wonder. Yet this very impact will sharpen divisions (verse 4) and eventually provoke authorities to attempt violence (verse 5). Seeing the Lord’s active endorsement readies the reader to interpret later suffering rightly: opposition does not mean God is absent; rather, God is present in the midst of it, sustaining the mission’s advance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:22
Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know;
- John 4:48
Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe.
- Mark 16:20
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
- Acts 19:10
And this continued for the space of two years; so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
- Acts 20:24
But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
- Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
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