ACTS 14:8–18
THE HEALING AT LYSTRA AND THE MISUNDERSTANDING OF PAUL AND BARNABAS AS GODS
Text – Acts 14:8–18
8 In Lystra there was a man crippled in his feet, who had never walked, for he was lame from birth.
9 He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed.
10 He called out in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” He jumped up and began to walk.
11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they cried out in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in human form.”
12 They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,” because he was the chief speaker.
13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to offer sacrifice with the crowds.
14 When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, shouting,
15 “Men, why are you doing this? We are the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news, that you should turn from these idols to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.
16 In past generations he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways;
17 yet in bestowing his goodness, he did not leave himself without witness, for he gave you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”
18 Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.
Historical and Jewish Context
Lystra was a predominantly pagan city with little Jewish influence. Local legends told of gods visiting the region disguised as humans, which explains the crowd’s reaction. Identifying Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes reflects Greco-Roman mythology, where Hermes served as divine messenger. Tearing garments was a Jewish sign of horror and protest against blasphemy. Paul’s speech avoids Jewish Scripture and instead appeals to natural revelation—creation, providence, and goodness—appropriate for a Gentile audience unfamiliar with the Law.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage shows the danger of misdirected religious enthusiasm. Miracles are meant to lead people to God, not to elevate human instruments. Paul and Barnabas firmly reject divine honors, emphasizing monotheism and calling the Gentiles to conversion from idols. Paul’s preaching demonstrates inculturation: the Gospel is proclaimed using concepts accessible to the audience while remaining faithful to revealed truth. True evangelization directs all glory to God alone.
Parallels in Scripture
Exodus 20:3 – No other gods before the Lord
Isaiah 42:8 – God’s glory not given to another
Acts 3:12–16 – Peter rejects glory for healing
Romans 1:19–23 – Knowledge of God through creation
1 Corinthians 8:4–6 – One God and one Lord
Key Terms
Faith to be healed – Trust open to God’s power
Crippled from birth – Human helplessness healed by grace
Idols – False gods replacing the living God
Living God – Creator and sustainer of all
Turn from – Call to conversion
Witness – God’s presence revealed through creation
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 14:8–18 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, highlighting the universality of the Gospel and the call to turn from false worship to the living God.
Conclusion
Acts 14:8–18 reveals that the Gospel challenges not only unbelief but also false religious understanding. Through healing and proclamation, Paul and Barnabas redirect worship from human instruments to the living God who alone saves.
Reflection
Do I ever place human leaders above God?
How do I respond when God’s work is misunderstood?
Am I open to turning away from modern “idols” toward the living God?
Prayer
Living God, Creator of heaven and earth, keep my heart free from false worship. Teach me to give You alone all glory and to recognize Your goodness at work in my life and in creation. Amen.