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Acts 14

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that 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.

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.

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 unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

And there they preached the gospel.

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, 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:

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

What does Acts 14:12 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 14:12 refers to an event during Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey.

After healing a man who was lame from birth in Lystra, the locals mistook them for gods.

They called Barnabas "Jupiter," the Roman name for Zeus, the chief god in the Roman pantheon, and Paul "Mercurius," or Mercury, the Roman messenger god, known for his eloquence.

The assumption was likely due to their perception of Barnabas's imposing presence or seniority and Paul's role as the primary speaker and therefore the messenger.

This verse captures the misunderstanding between cultures and highlights the necessity of clarifying the message of the Gospel within the context of local beliefs.

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Historical Context

During the time of Paul and Barnabas, Greek and Roman mythology permeated cultural understanding.

The city of Lystra was located in the Roman province of what is now part of Turkey.

The populace would have been accustomed to polytheism, and the attribution of divine qualities to humans, especially those performing miraculous deeds, was common.

Zeus was widely worshipped as the king of the gods, and Mercury was known as a communicator and mediator.

This event occurs during Paul's first missionary journey, which was aimed at spreading Christianity among Jews and Gentiles alike.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 14:12 highlights the tension between Christianity and polytheistic religions.

The early Christians had to navigate the prevalent belief systems and illustrate that their miracles were not due to their divine nature but because of the one true God they served.

It also demonstrates the propensity of humanity to misidentify and elevate human beings to the status of divine beings, a concept that is in direct conflict with Christian monotheism.

Practical Applications

The verse suggests the importance of cultural sensitivity when sharing religious beliefs and the need for clarity when communicating.

In modern application, it is essential for individuals to understand the context of their audience and be prepared to correct misunderstandings about their faith.

It also serves as a reminder not to seek glory for oneself, but to redirect any praise or admiration towards God.

Cross-References

Acts 14:11 - "And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men."
Acts 17:22-23 - "Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you."

1 Corinthians 8:5-6 - "For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."

Language Study

The Greek word for "Jupiter" in this verse is "Διὸς" (Dios), derived from the deity Zeus, while "Mercurius" is directly transliterated from "Ἑρμῆς" (Hermes), the Greek equivalent of the Roman god Mercury.

Paul is referred to as Hermes because he was "the chief speaker" (ὁ ἡγούμενος τοῦ λόγου), signifying his role as the one who delivers the message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn between this incident and similar stories in ancient mythologies where gods disguise as humans.

For instance, in Greek myths, Zeus and Hermes visited Earth in human form.

Paul and Barnabas's experience shows that mythological beliefs were alive and that the early Christian messaging had to compete with and distinguish itself from these well-established stories.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to scientific discourse, it does touch on early interpretations of miraculous events.

Today, what might be considered miraculous could be explained through scientific reasoning or medical advances.

Even so, the boundary between phenomena that can be scientifically explained and those deemed miraculous remains part of religious discourse and personal belief systems.

commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 14:12 often emphasize the theme of mistaken identity and the challenges of evangelism in a culture steeped in polytheism.

William Barclay notes the people of Lystra's reaction as a natural response given their beliefs.

John Calvin, on the other hand, comments on the need for Christians to be vigilant and to clarify their role as mere servants of God.

Matthew Henry highlights the missionary's refusal to accept divine honors, contrasting it with human nature's tendency toward pride.

These experts together underscore the missionaries' dedication to humility and to the promotion of worship of the true God only.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 14:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?