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.
A mob that moments before would make Paul a god stones him at the word of his enemies. Men are far more bent to superstition than to true worship, and superstition brooks no rival. The servants of God seek only obedience to Him, yet the world cannot endure them; those stubborn against God swallow seducers whole. Paul might have reigned under the title of Mercury with all men's praise; he chose to serve Christ faithfully instead and was stoned for it.
AI summary
The Jews from Antioch pursued Paul everywhere, restless to strangle the Gospel wherever it gained ground. They turned the fickle mob against him with accusations of sedition, and the people stoned him and dragged him out as dead; yet God raised him up again. See how easily carnal hearts swing from one extreme of evil to another, for want of sober consideration.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 14:19-28
These inveterate enemies pursued Paul from Antioch and Iconium with implacable purpose, opposing and slandering the Word of God everywhere they could. They persuaded the people that Paul was a deceiver and juggler deserving punishment, not honors. The very crowds who wished to sacrifice to him now stoned him at the Jews' instigation: a striking proof of the populace's fickleness and worthlessness as judges of anything true.
AI summary