Acts 14 begins with Paul and Barnabas preaching in the city of Iconium, where they spoke boldly about Jesus, and many Jews and Greeks believed. However, a division arose among the people, with some opposing the message and stirring up trouble. Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium for a while, speaking with power and performing miracles, despite the growing opposition.
When they heard of a plot to mistreat and stone them, they fled to the cities of Lystra and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been crippled from birth, leading the people to believe that Paul and Barnabas were gods. Paul and Barnabas urgently insisted that they were mere men, directing the people's attention to the true living God.
Jewish leaders from Antioch and Iconium arrived in Lystra, stirring up the crowds against Paul. They stoned him and left him for dead outside the city. However, Paul miraculously recovered and returned to the city. The next day, Paul and Barnabas left Lystra and traveled to Derbe, where they preached the gospel and made many disciples.
After ministering in Derbe, they retraced their steps and revisited the cities where they had preached before. They appointed elders in each church and prayed, fasted, and committed them to the Lord. Finally, they returned to Antioch, their starting point, and reported all that God had done through them.