Acts 14:3
New International Version
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

New Living Translation
But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.

English Standard Version
So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Berean Standard Bible
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore indeed they stayed a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands.

NASB 1995
Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.

NASB 1977
Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done through their hands.

Amplified Bible
So Paul and Barnabas stayed for a long time, speaking boldly and confidently for the Lord, who continued to testify to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders (attesting miracles) be done by them.

Christian Standard Bible
So they stayed there a long time and spoke boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace by enabling them to do signs and wonders.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them.

American Standard Version
Long 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.

Contemporary English Version
Paul and Barnabas stayed there for a while, having faith in the Lord and bravely speaking his message. The Lord gave them the power to work miracles and wonders, and he showed that their message about his gift of undeserved grace was true.

English Revised Version
Long time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, which bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Paul and Barnabas stayed in the city of Iconium for a long time. They spoke boldly about the Lord, who confirmed their message about his good will by having them perform miracles and do amazing things.

Good News Translation
The apostles stayed there for a long time, speaking boldly about the Lord, who proved that their message about his grace was true by giving them the power to perform miracles and wonders.

International Standard Version
They stayed there a considerable time and continued to speak boldly for the Lord, who kept affirming his word of grace and granting signs and wonders to be done by them.

Majority Standard Bible
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

NET Bible
So they stayed there for a considerable time, speaking out courageously for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace, granting miraculous signs and wonders to be performed through their hands.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Webster's Bible Translation
A long time therefore they abode speaking boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, speaking freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness to the Message of His grace by permitting signs and marvels to be done by them.

World English Bible
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
[for a] long time, indeed, therefore, they abided 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.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore indeed they stayed a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.

Young's Literal Translation
long 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.

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore truly they remained a sufficient time speaking freely in the Lord, he testifying to the word of his grace, and giving signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, they remained for a long time, acting faithfully in the Lord, offering testimony to the Word of his grace, providing signs and wonders done by their hands.

New American Bible
So they stayed for a considerable period, speaking out boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the word about his grace by granting signs and wonders to occur through their hands.

New Revised Standard Version
So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So they remained there for a long time, and spoke boldly concerning the LORD, and he gave them testimony to the word of his grace, by means of signs and wonders which he performed by their hands.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they were there for a long time publicly speaking about THE LORD JEHOVAH, and He was testifying concerning the word of his grace by signs and wonders that He was doing by their hands.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore, they continued a long time, and spoke boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, by granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Godbey New Testament
Then indeed preaching boldly in behalf of the Lord, witnessing to the word of His grace, giving signs and wonders to be wrought by their hands, they spent much time.

Haweis New Testament
A long space therefore continued they there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, and granted signs and miracles to be wrought by their hands.

Mace New Testament
however the apostles stay'd there a considerable time, being inspir'd with great resolution by the Lord, who gave his attestation to the evangelical doctrine, by the prodigys and miracles, which he did by their hands.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, speaking freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness to the Message of His grace by permitting signs and marvels to be done by them.

Worrell New Testament
A long time, therefore, they tarried there, speaking boldly in the Lord, Who testified to the word of His grace, by granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.

Worsley New Testament
They therefore stayed a considerable time speaking freely of the Lord, who bare witness to the word of his grace, and gave signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul and Barnabas at Iconium
2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 4The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.…

Cross References
Hebrews 2:4
and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.

Acts 4:29-30
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

John 14:12
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Acts 19:11
God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul,

Romans 15:18-19
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5
My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, / so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

2 Corinthians 12:12
The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.

Acts 5:12
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade.

Acts 2:43
A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.

Acts 6:8
Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 8:6
The crowds all paid close attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform.

Acts 15:12
The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

Exodus 4:30
and Aaron relayed everything the LORD had said to Moses. And Moses performed the signs before the people,

Numbers 14:11
And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?


Treasury of Scripture

Long time therefore stayed they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

therefore.

Acts 18:9-11
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: …

Acts 19:10
And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

1 Corinthians 16:8,9
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost…

speaking.

Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Ephesians 6:18-20
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; …

1 Thessalonians 2:2
But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

which.

Acts 2:22
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Acts 5:32
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Mark 16:20
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

the word.

Acts 20:24,32
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God…

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

granted.

Acts 4:29,30
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, …

Acts 5:12-14
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch…

Acts 19:11,12
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: …

Jump to Previous
Abode Barnabas Boldly Causing Confiding Confirmed Considerable Freely Good Grace Granted Granting Hands Indeed Kept Marvels Message Miraculous Paul Permitting Reliance Relying Signs Speaking Tarried Testified Testifying Testimony Time Witness Wonders Word
Jump to Next
Abode Barnabas Boldly Causing Confiding Confirmed Considerable Freely Good Grace Granted Granting Hands Indeed Kept Marvels Message Miraculous Paul Permitting Reliance Relying Signs Speaking Tarried Testified Testifying Testimony Time Witness Wonders Word
Acts 14
1. Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium.
8. At Lystra Paul heals a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods.
19. Paul is stoned.
21. They pass through various churches, confirming the disciples in faith and patience.
26. Returning to Antioch, they report what God had done with them.














So Paul and Barnabas
This phrase introduces the key figures in this passage, Paul and Barnabas, who were prominent leaders in the early Christian church. Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee and a Roman citizen who experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," was a Levite from Cyprus and an early disciple who played a crucial role in introducing Paul to the apostles. Their partnership in ministry highlights the importance of collaboration and unity in spreading the Gospel.

spent considerable time there
The phrase indicates a significant investment of time and effort by Paul and Barnabas in their mission. The Greek word used here, "chronos," suggests a prolonged period, emphasizing their commitment to establishing a strong foundation for the new believers. This dedication reflects the importance of perseverance and patience in ministry, allowing for deep relationships and effective discipleship.

speaking boldly
The Greek word "parrēsiazomai" is used here, meaning to speak freely, openly, and with confidence. This boldness is a recurring theme in Acts, often associated with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It underscores the courage required to proclaim the Gospel in the face of opposition and the divine enablement that accompanies such proclamation.

for the Lord
This phrase signifies that their bold speaking was done in service to the Lord Jesus Christ. It highlights the motivation behind their actions, which was to honor and obey Christ's commission to spread the Gospel. This service-oriented mindset is a model for all believers, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ.

who affirmed the message of His grace
The word "affirmed" comes from the Greek "epimartyreō," meaning to bear witness or testify. This indicates that God Himself was actively involved in confirming the truth of the Gospel message. The "message of His grace" refers to the core of the Christian Gospel, which is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, a gift of grace rather than works. This divine affirmation underscores the reliability and truth of the Gospel.

by enabling them to perform signs and wonders
The phrase "signs and wonders" refers to miraculous acts that serve as evidence of divine power and authority. The Greek words "sēmeia" (signs) and "teras" (wonders) are often used together in the New Testament to describe miracles that authenticate the message and messengers of God. These acts were not merely for spectacle but served to validate the apostles' message and demonstrate God's active presence among His people. This highlights the supernatural dimension of the Christian faith and God's willingness to intervene in human history to accomplish His purposes.

(3) Long time therefore abode they.--This can hardly be understood as involving a stay of less than several months, during which, Paul and Barnabas, as before, were working for their livelihood.

Speaking boldly.--The "boldness" consisted, as the context shows, in a full declaration of the gospel of the grace of God as contrasted with the narrowing Judaism with which the Greek proselytes had previously been familiar.

Granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.--It will be noted that here also, as so often elsewhere, the miracles that were wrought came as the confirmation of faith, not as its foundation.

Verse 3. - They tarried there for abode they, A.V.; bare witness for gave testimony, A.V.; granting for and granted, A.V. For the phrase long time (ἱκανὸν χρόνον), comp. Acts 27:9, "much time," and "many days" (ἡμέραι ἱκαναί), Acts 9:23. So also Luke 8:27, "long time," or "for a long time" (ἐκ χρόνων ἱκανῶν). Speaking boldly (παρρησιαζόμενοι) in the Lord (ἐπὶ τῷ Κυρίῳ); i.e. having the Lord for their support. It was the special prayer of the Church that God would "grant to his servants that they might speak the Word with all boldness (μετὰπαρρησίας πάσης)," and in answer to that prayer they were enabled to speak "the Word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:29 , 31; comp. Acts 9:29; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:2, etc.). It was no small evidence of the power of the Holy Ghost that the apostles were able to speak with such uncompromising fidelity in the face of such bitter opposition. Signs and wonders, etc. See Mark 16:17-20; comp. too Acts 4:30, which also indicates that we ought, perhaps, to understand here τῷ Κυρρίῳ of God the Father rather than of "his holy Servant Jesus."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

[Paul and Barnabas] spent
διέτριψαν (dietripsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1304: To tarry, continue, stay in a place. From dia and the base of tribos; to wear through, i.e. Remain.

considerable
ἱκανὸν (hikanon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

time {there},
χρόνον (chronon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5550: A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.

speaking boldly
παρρησιαζόμενοι (parrēsiazomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3955: To speak freely, boldly; To be confident.

for
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord,
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

who
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

affirmed
μαρτυροῦντι (martyrounti)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

message
λόγῳ (logō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

grace
χάριτος (charitos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

by enabling
διδόντι (didonti)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

them
χειρῶν (cheirōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 5495: A hand.

to perform
γίνεσθαι (ginesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

signs
σημεῖα (sēmeia)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4592: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

wonders.
τέρατα (terata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5059: A wonder, portent, marvel. Of uncertain affinity; a prodigy or omen.


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NT Apostles: Acts 14:3 Therefore they stayed there a long time (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 14:2
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