Acts 14:5-7 Meaning: Violence Averted, Mission Continues
5When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them,
6they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region.
7There they preached the Good News.
5And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
6They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7And there they preached the gospel.
5And when there was made an onset both of the Gentiles and of the Jews with their rulers, to treat them shamefully and to stone them,
6they became aware of it, and fled unto the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region round about:
7and there they preached the gospel.
5and when there was a purpose both of the nations and of the Jews with their rulers to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
6they having become aware, did flee to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe, and to the region round about,
7and there they were proclaiming good news.
5And when an assault was making, both of [those of] the nations and [the] Jews with their rulers, to use [them] ill and stone them,
6they, being aware of it, fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding country,
7and there they were announcing the glad tidings.
Meaning in one sentence
The opponents in Iconium made a violent move, not yet an attack. Paul and Barnabas fled to new cities, not in fear, but to keep preaching.
Context
Paul and Barnabas had been in Iconium for a while. Many people believed through their preaching, but the city split into two camps. Unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and even the local rulers against the apostles. The opposition grew until it became a violent movement, a rush to mistreat and stone them. The Greek word suggests this was a threatening purpose, not a full assault yet. When Paul and Barnabas learned what was coming, they left. They did not abandon the mission. They traveled to Lystra and Derbe, cities in the region of Lycaonia, and once there they continued doing what they always did: they preached the good news. The danger did not stop the gospel. It redirected it to new places.
Key Words
Three Greek words shape this scene. The first is hormē, translated as an assault or violent attempt. It means a rush, an impulse, a hostile movement. Commentators note that it describes the building threat, not a blow already struck. Paul and Barnabas left before stones were thrown. The second word is sunidontes, meaning to see together or to become fully aware. It is the same root used elsewhere for understanding. They did not flee in panic. They perceived the situation clearly. The third word is the verb euangelizomenoi ēsan, an imperfect tense with a participle. It means they were continually preaching the gospel. This is the heart of the passage: the flight was not the end of their work. As soon as they reached safety, they started again. The good news kept moving with them.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this moment as a model of wisdom, not weakness. John Calvin wrote that the apostles did not rashly throw themselves into death; they avoided the fury of the enemy while still obeying God. The Geneva Bible notes that Jesus Himself commanded his followers to flee persecution (Matthew 10:23). Other commentators, like Albert Barnes, emphasize that the assault was not yet an attack but a tumultuous excitement. Across the traditions, believers agree: Paul and Barnabas were not cowards. They were discerning. They saw the danger coming, they moved to new ground, and they kept preaching. Both prudence and boldness have their place in the Christian life.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that Paul and Barnabas ran away because they were afraid or had given up on Iconium. In fact, they fled to continue preaching elsewhere. The text says plainly: “There they preached the Good News.” Their exit was not an end to the mission. It was a redirection. And a few days later, they were stoned and left for dead at Lystra. These men did not lack courage. They knew when to stay and when to go.
Living This Out
This week you might sense tension building around your faith. It could be a workplace where expressing your beliefs has become risky. A family relationship where the pressure is mounting. Paul and Barnabas show us that it is not always wrong to step away. Leaving the situation does not mean giving up the calling. Before you decide, ask the Lord for awareness: is this a threat that will pass, or is it time to move on to new ground? And if you do move, keep the good news on your lips. The place God leads you next might be exactly where someone needs to hear it.
Main takeaway: When danger threatens, the gospel finds new ground. Wise retreat can be faithful mission.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul and Barnabas were in danger. People wanted to hurt them. So they went to a new town and told people there about Jesus. God helped them find a safe place to keep sharing good news.
For ages 9, 12
The apostles didn't run away because they were scared of everything. They saw that the danger was real and they had to leave. But as soon as they got to Lystra and Derbe, they started preaching again. They didn't quit. They found a new place to do God's work. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to move to a different situation where you can still follow Jesus.
Questions People Ask
Was this assault the same as when Paul was stoned?
No. The stoning Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:25 happened later at Lystra, not in Iconium. Here in Acts 14:5-7, the threat of stoning was building, but they escaped before it happened.
Why didn't Paul and Barnabas stay and face the danger?
Jesus taught his followers to flee from one city to another when persecuted (Matthew 10:23). Their flight was not cowardice but obedience to that instruction. They preserved their lives to continue the mission elsewhere.
What does the Greek word 'hormē' mean in this verse?
Hormē (Strong's G3730) means a rush, impulse, or hostile movement. Commentators like Vincent note that it describes the purpose and intention of assault, not an actual attack. It was a threatening movement.
Who were the 'rulers' that joined the plot?
The Greek word 'archousin' can refer to civic authorities and synagogue leaders. In Iconium, both the Gentile city rulers and the Jewish religious leaders united against the apostles.
Why did they flee specifically to Lystra and Derbe?
Lystra and Derbe were cities in the same province of Lycaonia, not far from Iconium. They did not leave the region entirely. This shows they were not running away from the mission but moving to new towns where they could continue preaching.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study