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STONING OF PAUL (19-20)

The Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrive convincing the multitudes to stone Paul and drag
him, dead, out of the city. However, the disciples gather around Paul and pray. He is raised
from the dead. The very next day, he travels with Barnabas to Derbe.

PAUL’S MESSAGE REJECTED

Act 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.

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium who persuaded the people, and,
having stoned Paul, drew (dragged) him out of the city, supposing (nomizo: concluding him to
have died) he had been dead.

The Judaizers from Antioch and Iconium who reject Paul’s message attempt to evangelize these
Gentiles with the law. They were unable to stone Paul and Barnabas in Iconium because they
had fled. They have now followed Paul and Barnabas to Lystra and this time, will see Paul
stoned by the people. Believing they have been successful in putting a stop to the gospel, they
will leave. These men never cared about Lystra until Paul arrived.

The people in Lystra are fickle and easily persuaded. One minute they are convinced Paul is a
god, and the next, they plan to stone him. They are probably disappointed because Paul will
not allow them to make sacrifices to him.

This instance of Paul’s stoning and death is probably the time he was taken out of his body into
the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:1-4).

PAUL RAISED FROM THE DEAD

Act 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city:
and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul’s stoning takes place before a group of his own followers, disciples of the Lord. As they are
praying for him, he suddenly comes back to life. Immediately he returns to the city of Lystra.

It must be a shock to the Jews who had just stoned him and a confirmation to the people of the
city of the truth of the gospel. After they see Paul has been raised from the dead, they no
longer want to offer him sacrifices. Now they are ready to receive the Lord. He only remains in
Lystra one day before he continues his journey into Derbe. He will preach again in Lystra on his
departure from the region and like in Antioch, no miracles are performed.