Yes, I’m Alive & No, I’m not Zeus

Paul and Barnabas continue their journey, preaching in synagogues, and fleeing persecution. In the town of Lystra, they heal a lame man and the speculators believe them to be the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes, incarnate.

“But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you.” v.14-15

They indirectly let them know that there’s only one God, who had allowed “each nation to go their own way,” yet is responsible for their blessings. A group of Jews manages to turn the crowd against them and they stone Paul, seemingly to death.

“…But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.” v.20

The disciples continue to preach, drawing many unto Christ. On the return journey to Antioch, they stop in the towns in which they previously preached to strengthen the new believers and appoint elders to oversee them.