Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

MEMORY VERSE: “Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.” —Acts 14:15

ACTS 14:8-18

FOLLOWING their successful witness to both Jews and Gentiles in Antioch in Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas were beset by persecution and driven from the area. Then they went to Iconium, where they had a similar experience. Here “a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.”—Acts 14:1,2

But Paul and Barnabas held their ground in Iconium for a considerable time, “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. But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, they were ware of it, and fled into Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and into the region that lieth round about: and there they preached the Gospel.”—Acts 14:3-7

No matter how severe the persecution was, it did not deter Paul and Barnabas from preaching the Gospel of Christ. They knew, as Paul later wrote, that it had been given unto them “not only to believe on him [Christ], but also to suffer for his sake,” and they were glad that they had this evidence of the Lord’s blessing upon their ministry.—Phil. 1:29

The witness at Lystra was strengthened by the miracle of healing a man who had been a “cripple from his mother’s womb.” This man listened intently to Paul’s preaching. Paul took special notice of him, and from his attitude perceived “that he had faith to be healed” Paul said to the man, “Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.”

When the people of Lystra saw this they became very excited, and concluded that the gods had come down to them in the likeness of men. “They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.” The priest of Jupiter “brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.”

But Paul and Barnabas did not want the people thus to honor and worship them. “They rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.” This was a noble stand which was taken by Paul and Barnabas.

Paul explained further that in times past God permitted all nations to walk in their own ways, although he maintained a constant witness before them “in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with good and gladness” David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” (Ps. 19:1) The humble minded and reverently inclined of earth’s people are indeed impressed by the display of God’s works, and they appreciate the wonderful provision he makes for them. But there are millions to whom these things mean little or nothing.

On the other hand, in the darker past large numbers went to extremes and worshiped the sun and the stars and others of God’s creations. The people of Lystra were of this class, and they desired to offer sacrifice to those who they supposed were able to bring the blessings of the “gods” to them.

Referring to the practice among the heathen of making and worshiping idols, Paul said on Mars’ hill, “We ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.”—Acts 17:30

Paul explained that one reason for the call to repentance is that there is a future day of judgment in which the world of mankind—including all the heathen worshipers of the past—will be judged “in righteousness by that man he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31) The people of Lystra who wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas, and those who have worshiped images, will then have their full opportunity to learn of and to worship the true God.

QUESTIONS

Where did Paul and Barnabas minister first after leaving Antioch of Pisidia?

Relate the story of their experiences at Lystra.

When will the whole world be enlightened?

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