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Book of Acts - Chapter 14 - Verse 19

14:19
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Meaning

In this verse, we see how Paul faced persecution while spreading the message of Christianity. Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium came to the city where Paul was preaching and managed to persuade the people there to turn against him. This led to them stoning Paul and leaving him for dead outside the city. The significance of this event lies in the resilience and perseverance of Paul, who remained committed to his mission despite facing extreme adversity. It also showcases the brutal reality of the early Christian movement, where believers often faced opposition and violence for their faith. Paul's survival after being stoned demonstrates the miraculous power of God and serves as a testament to his unwavering faith. This verse is a reminder of the sacrifices made by early Christians to spread the teachings of Christianity and the importance of standing firm in the face of persecution.

Theological Overview

Upon encountering certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, the apostle Paul faced a violent ordeal as the people were persuaded by these individuals to stone him. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the dangers faced by early followers of Christianity as they spread the message of Christ. Despite facing persecution and even death, Paul remained steadfast in his mission to share the Gospel. The word "stoned" carries a significant weight in its historical context, representing a form of punishment often used to suppress dissent and silence those who preached against the established beliefs. Paul's resilience and commitment to his faith serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication of early Christians in the face of fierce opposition. The word "dead" in this verse may also reflect the severity of the attack, with those who stoned Paul mistakenly assuming they had successfully killed him. This event underscores the sacrifices made by individuals such as Paul in their efforts to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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