King James Bible
"Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands."
Paul and Barnabas extended their stay in Iconium despite opposition, courageously proclaiming the gospel with confidence derived from their relationship with Christ. Their boldness wasn't self-generated but came from being 'in the Lord,' indicating both the source and sphere of their authority. The Lord himself validated their message about salvation by grace through divine confirmation. This phrase emphasizes that the gospel's power doesn't depend on human eloquence but on God's active endorsement of his own truth. Miraculous works served as God's authenticating seal on the apostles' ministry, following the pattern established by Jesus and the early church. These supernatural acts weren't performed by apostolic power but were 'granted' by God, reinforcing that the apostles were conduits rather than sources of divine power.