But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.
4. The multitude was divided. The most troublesome part of the tragedy “Catastrophe,” the catastrophe. followeth now, for the city is divided into two parts; and at length Paul and Barnabas (being enforced by the uproar of the people) depart unto another place.
In these verses we have, I. The preaching of the gospel in Iconium, whither the apostles were forced to retire from Antioch. As the blood of the martyrs has been the seed of the church, so the banishment of the confessors has helped to scatter that seed. Observe, 1.
Commenting on Acts 14:1-7
But the multitude of the city was divided,.... In their sentiments, about the apostles, their doctrines, and miracles; some approving them, others condemning their doctrines as false, and their miracles as delusions: and part held with the Jews; that did not believe, but rejected the apostles, despised their doctrines, and disparaged their miracles: and part with the apostles; these were the Jews and Greeks, that...