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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 14:18 mean?

Explanation

[Acts 14:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+14%3A18&version=KJV) describes a scene where the apostles Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra, and after Paul healed a man lame from birth, the people began to believe that they were gods (specifically, Zeus and Hermes) come to them in the likeness of men.

The verse states that Paul and Barnabas struggled to restrain the crowd from offering sacrifices to them.

The literal meaning is that they found it difficult to stop the people from performing a religious ritual that would have honored them as deities, which was a common practice in polytheistic cultures when they believed they had encountered divine beings.

The deeper meaning reflects the apostles' commitment to the worship of the one true God and their rejection of any personal glorification that would detract from Him.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The historical context of this event is situated in the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, which took them to the city of Lystra in what is now Turkey.

At that time, Lystra was a part of the Roman province of Galatia.

The local population would have practiced a polytheistic religion with many gods and been familiar with the practice of making sacrifices to these gods.

The notion of men being embodiments of gods would not have been strange to them, especially given the popular Greco-Roman mythological stories.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse illustrates the early Christian emphasis on monotheism and the exclusive worship of the God of Israel.

It also reflects the Christian doctrine of the 'servanthood' of apostles who, unlike gods of mythology, sought no personal worship or sacrifices.

This instance underscores a key distinction between the Christian belief and the local pagan practices, where the recognition of human figures as divine was not uncommon.

Practical Applications

The teachings in this verse can be interpreted to mean that one should always redirect any glory or honor received towards God, rather than accepting it for oneself.

It also teaches the importance of humility and the proper understanding of one's role in the community and before God.

For Christians today, it serves as a reminder that any success or gifts they possess should not be a cause for pride but rather an opportunity to give thanks and praise to God.

Cross-References

[Acts 14:11-12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+14%3A11-12&version=KJV): "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."
[Romans 1:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A25&version=KJV): "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.

Amen."

[Revelation 19:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+19%3A10&version=KJV): "And I fell at his feet to worship him.

And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of [Acts 14:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+14%3A18&version=KJV), key words to consider include:

"Molis" (μόλις), often translated as "scarce" or "hardly," implying with difficulty.
"Kateschesan" (κατέσχον), translated as "restrained," carries the connotation of suppressing or stopping against a strong force.
"Ton ochlon" (τὸν ὄχλον), which means "the crowd" or "the multitude," signifying the large number of people involved.
"Mē" (μή), a negation, translated as "not" or "that not," indicating prevention.
"Thysian" (θυσίαν), meaning "sacrifice," referring to the ritual acts intended for the apostles.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The events described in [Acts 14:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+14%3A18&version=KJV) have similarities to ancient myths where gods disguise themselves as humans and interact with them.

One famous example is the Greek myth of Baucis and Philemon, where Zeus and Hermes visit earth in human form and are offered hospitality.

The Lystrans' reaction reflects a cultural propensity to deify extraordinary human figures, which contrasts strongly with the Judeo-Christian tradition where the worship is directed only to the transcendent God.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not typically intersect with the interpretation of biblical texts, as science deals with empirical evidence and explanations about the physical world, while biblical interpretation focuses on spiritual and moral teachings.

However, the human tendency to create explanations or conclusions based on extraordinary events, as seen in this verse, can be connected to the cognitive science of religion, which studies how human cognitive processes foster religious beliefs and behaviors.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars note that in Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas face a critical situation that tests their character and faith.

Commentators like Matthew Henry point out their humility and firmness in redirecting the honor to the true God.

Others highlight the stark contrast between the missionary approach of Paul and Barnabas, which aimed to convert pagans to monotheism, and the prevailing religious beliefs in Lystra.

They often commend the apostles' quick and fervent reaction to the misunderstanding as a demonstration of their commitment to their mission and the integrity of the Gospel message.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:18 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 14:18 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?