Who were the Greeks?

In the context of Acts 14, the Greeks were Gentile (non-Jewish) inhabitants of the Roman provinces in Asia Minor, specifically in the cities of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. The term “Greeks” in the New Testament often refers not only to people from the region of Greece but more broadly to Greek-speaking Gentiles who followed Hellenistic culture and were outside the covenant community of Israel. The Greek word used is Ἕλλην (Hellēn), meaning a person of Greek descent or, more generally, a Gentile of Greco-Roman culture.

Acts 14:1 describes Paul and Barnabas preaching in the synagogue at Iconium where “a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” The narrative reveals how the gospel was not only reaching the Jews but also spreading powerfully among Gentiles, fulfilling God‘s plan to bring salvation to all nations.

Biblical References and Cross References

• Acts 14:1 – “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.”

• Acts 14:11–13 – After witnessing a healing, the crowds in Lystra (mostly Gentiles) thought Paul and Barnabas were gods, calling them Hermes and Zeus.

• Acts 13:46 – Paul states, “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it…we now turn to the Gentiles.”

• Romans 1:16 – “…the gospel…is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile…for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

What Happened in Acts 14?

Paul and Barnabas continued their missionary journey in Asia Minor, preaching first to the Jews but also encountering receptive Greeks. In Iconium, both Jews and Greeks responded to the gospel message with faith, but opposition soon arose, leading to threats of violence. In Lystra, a primarily Gentile city, the response was mixed—some were drawn to the gospel, while others, upon seeing a miraculous healing, mistook the apostles for gods and attempted to offer sacrifices to them (Acts 14:11-13). This misunderstanding highlighted the cultural and religious differences that the apostles faced when evangelizing Gentiles influenced by Greek mythology and pagan religion.

Eventually, Paul was stoned and left for dead by a mob stirred up by Jews from Antioch and Iconium (Acts 14:19). Yet he survived and continued preaching, strengthening the faith of new believers—including many Greeks—by appointing elders and encouraging perseverance (Acts 14:22-23).

Meaning for Today’s Christians

The inclusion of the Greeks in Acts 14 reminds believers that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not confined by ethnicity, culture, or background. It underscores the universal call of salvation for all people, Jew and Gentile alike. As God’s messengers shared the gospel across cultural barriers, Christians today are likewise called to proclaim Christ to every nation, tribe, and tongue, despite opposition or misunderstanding.

The Greeks in Acts 14 also serve as a reminder of the power of God to work in hearts shaped by completely different worldviews. Where Paul and Barnabas faced idolatry, syncretism, and violence, the Holy Spirit still brought faith and transformation. This should embolden believers to engage the world, confident in the gospel’s power.

How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28:19–20 to “make disciples of all nations” was already bearing fruit in Acts 14. The Greeks’ inclusion prefigured the expanding kingdom of God. These Gentiles, formerly “excluded from citizenship in Israel” (Ephesians 2:12), were now being reconciled to God through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Their story points directly to the gospel’s scope: Jesus is not only the Messiah of Israel but the Savior of the world. The healing in Lystra mirrors Jesus’ own healings, and Paul’s suffering for the gospel reflects the suffering of Christ, showing that the gospel advances through both proclamation and persecution.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ

The Greeks’ conversion illustrates the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). God’s plan always included the nations (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6).

God’s Sovereignty Over Missions

Despite opposition and cultural confusion, God ordained the spread of the gospel through His chosen messengers. Acts 14 shows God’s faithfulness in building His Church across all borders.

Suffering and the Kingdom

Paul and Barnabas encouraged the disciples, saying, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). The story of the Greeks in Acts 14 reminds Christians that suffering is part of following Christ, but so is the reward of eternal life.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the inclusion of the Greeks in Acts 14 challenge any assumptions I hold about who can receive the gospel?

2. In what ways am I engaging those around me who come from different cultural or religious backgrounds?

3. How do I respond when the message of Christ is misunderstood or rejected?

4. Am I willing, like Paul and Barnabas, to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel?

5. Do I see the Church as one unified body made up of all nations, or do I view it primarily through a cultural lens?

The Greeks in Acts 14 stand as early recipients of the grace of Jesus Christ extended beyond the boundaries of Israel. Their story affirms that the gospel is for all people and that God‘s redemptive plan reaches every corner of the earth—calling each heart to believe, follow, and be transformed by Christ.