Confusion in Lystra
Image ID
abwasNT35
Description
Paul and Barnabas stand in the crowded streets of Lystra as the people surge around them with astonishment and mistaken worship. Garlanded bulls are brought forward for sacrifice, and a priestly figure gestures toward the apostles while the crowd hails them as gods. The apostles respond with urgency, rejecting divine honors and directing the people away from idols toward the living God.
The scene portrays Acts 14, after Paul heals a man who had been lame from birth. The miracle opens a door for witness, but the crowd misreads the sign through pagan belief, calling Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes.” The biblical meaning is sharply focused: miracles serve the gospel, not human exaltation. Paul and Barnabas model faithful ministry by refusing glory and calling all nations to turn from vain things to the Creator who gives life, rain, food, and joy.
The scene portrays Acts 14, after Paul heals a man who had been lame from birth. The miracle opens a door for witness, but the crowd misreads the sign through pagan belief, calling Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes.” The biblical meaning is sharply focused: miracles serve the gospel, not human exaltation. Paul and Barnabas model faithful ministry by refusing glory and calling all nations to turn from vain things to the Creator who gives life, rain, food, and joy.
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