Acts 14:20

Disciples. That is, the new believers. Obviously they had been unable to forestall the attack, but they followed to the place where Paul, unconscious, was dragged, with their sorrowing thoughts probably concerned as to how they might provide for reverent burial. It is reasonable to believe that Timothy, to whom Paul’s bitter experience would be both a challenge to service and an example of devotion, witnessed the stoning (AA 184, 185). Perhaps Lois and Eunice also were present in the group, first mourning, but later rejoicing when they found that their beloved teacher was not dead.

He rose up. Paul’s revival from unconsciousness and his immediate show of vigor and boldness in entering the city again must have been looked upon as a miracle. That one stoned and left for dead by a savage mob should revive and go about as if nothing had happened to him was an even more striking evidence of the power of God than was the restoration of the cripple.

Next day he departed. Though providentially preserved from death, Paul doubtless realized that the mood of the populace had not changed toward him, and that for a time it was best that he leave the city. He paid at least two more visits to Lystra (see v. 21; ch. 16:1).

With Barnabas. Barnabas had not been such an object of jealousy on the part of the Jews. Though his power was great as a “son of exhortation” or “consolation” (see on ch. 4:36), it had evidently not been so demonstrative as that of his fellow apostle.

To Derbe. See on v. 6.