Mistaken for Gods in Lystra

In Lystra a man was sitting who was without strength in his feet, had never walked, and had been lame from birth. He listened as Paul spoke. After looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And he jumped up and began to walk around.(A)

11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” (B) 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought bulls and wreaths to the gates because he intended, with the crowds, to offer sacrifice.

14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting,(C) 15 “People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things(D) to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.[a](E) 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations(F) to go their own way, 17 although he did not leave himself without a witness,(G) since he did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons(H) and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.” 18 Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.

19 Some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.(I) 20 After the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.(J)

Church Planting

21 After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,(K) 22 strengthening the[b] disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith(L) and by telling them, “It is necessary to go through many hardships(M) to enter the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders(N) for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

24 They passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 After they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed back to Antioch where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.(O) 27 After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them(P) and that he had opened the door(Q) of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent a considerable time with the disciples.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 14:15 Ex 20:11; Ps 146:6
  2. 14:22 Lit the souls of the

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Explorer Bible for Kids--soft leather-look, brown mountains
CSB Explorer Bible for Kids--soft leather-look, brown mountains
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $33.49
Save: $11.50 (26%)
CSB, Here's Hope, NT,  - Case of 48
CSB, Here's Hope, NT, - Case of 48
Retail: $72.00
Our Price: $54.99
Save: $17.01 (24%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Baby's New Testament with Psalms, Pink Imitation Leather
CSB Baby's New Testament with Psalms, Pink Imitation Leather
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.29
Save: $1.70 (21%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students, Hardcover
CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students, Hardcover
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $24.99
Save: $10.00 (29%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Apologetics Study Bible, Hardcover
CSB Apologetics Study Bible, Hardcover
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $16.00 (40%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars