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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 14:13 mean?

Explanation

Acts 14:13 describes an incident during the missionary journey of the apostles Paul and Barnabas in the city of Lystra, where they were mistaken for gods by the local population.

The priest of Jupiter, which refers to the chief deity of Roman mythology also known as Zeus in Greek mythology, attempts to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, believing them to be divine beings.

The oxen and garlands were part of the traditional offerings for such sacrifices, and the gates likely refer to the entrance of the temple or the city where the public could gather.

This displays a misunderstanding by the local populace of the true nature of Paul and Barnabas's message and the divinity they were proclaiming.

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Historical Context

In the ancient world, many cultures, including the Greeks and Romans, practiced polytheism, worshipping a pantheon of gods.

Lystra was a Roman colony in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey).

During the time of Paul and Barnabas, it was common for cities to have patron deities, and each had its own array of priests and religious rituals.

The Book of Acts is set against this backdrop of diverse religious beliefs and practices, including emperor worship and local idolatry.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse highlights the Gentile misunderstanding of Christian teachings. Paul and Barnabas are not proclaiming themselves as gods, but the priest of Jupiter assumes so, based on his own religious framework.

Theologically, this shows the chasm between polytheistic beliefs and the monotheism of Christianity. It also reflects the early Christian rejection of idolatry and the proclamation of the Gospel to the Gentiles, which was a central theme in the work of the apostles.

Practical Applications

The actions of the priest of Jupiter raise questions about how to appropriately respond to acclaim and praise. One practical application is the importance of humility and redirecting honor from ourselves to God.

The verse warns against the temptation to accept glory meant for God and encourages clear communication about who deserves worship and why. It also touches on the sensitivity needed when dealing with people's deeply held beliefs and leading them towards truth.

Cross-References

Acts 14:11-12 - Prior verses where the people of Lystra call Barnabas "Jupiter" and Paul "Mercurius".
Acts 14:15 - The response of Paul and Barnabas to the crowd's attempt to worship them, emphasizing that they are mere men.
Romans 1:23, 25 - Paul speaks against those who changed the glory of God into images and worshipped the creature rather than the Creator.

Language Study

The key words to analyze in the original Greek text include:

"Hiereus" (ἱερεύς) meaning "priest", indicating a person who performs religious duties.
"Zeus" translated here as "Jupiter", which is the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Zeus.
"Thysian" (θυσίαν) meaning "sacrifice", referring to the act of offering something to a deity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This event can be compared to other instances in various cultures where individuals were deified or mistaken for deities.

In Roman and Greek mythology, gods would often appear in human form.

The assumption by the priest of Jupiter reflects a cultural predisposition to interpret unusual events and supernatural occurrences through the lens of their own religious context.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, it does provide insight into human behavior and sociology.

The readiness of the people of Lystra to attribute god-like status to Paul and Barnabas may be examined through the lens of psychological phenomena such as group behavior and the influence of charismatic leaders.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various insights on this verse.

Some focus on the sharp contrast between Christian monotheism and Roman polytheism. Others highlight the apostles' response as an example of Christian leadership and their rejection of idolatry.

Many emphasize the challenge for missionaries in communicating the Gospel cross-culturally without compromising its core message.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:13 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 14:13 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?