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PAUL AND BARNABAS DEEMED GODS (11-18)

Because of the miracle, the people cry out in their native tongue that god’s have come to visit
them in the form of men. A priest of Zeus even brings an ox and garlands with the intention of
joining the multitudes and sacrificing to Paul and Barnabas. As soon as Paul and Barnabas
realize what is happening, they run out among the people tearing their clothes, declaring they
are men just like the people in the crowd. They also attempt to teach the people about the
living God they serve.

Act 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.

The Lycaonian language is a mixture of Greek and Assyrian. Paul does not know what they are
saying since it is in their native tongue. He only becomes aware when they begin to sacrifice to
him and Barnabas (verse 13).

Maybe it is the Lystran’s jealousy of nearby Phyrgia that makes them so quick to label Paul and
Barnabas as gods. Two trees stood in Phyrgia as a monument to a supposed visit from Zeus and
Hermes. According to legend, the trees had been lovers transformed after requesting from the
gods a form that would allow them to be together forever. By worshiping Paul and Barnabas as
gods, perhaps the Lystrians hope to have the requests granted as well.

Act 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief
speaker.

SACRIFICES BROUGHT

Act 14:13 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.

Oxen were the highest form of sacrifice to the Greeks because they were so expensive. They
belonged to the wealthy. Garlands were used in worship to entertain the gods. Paul and
Barnabas now begin to understand why the people had made such an uproar. When the
people witnessed the miracles, they mistakenly gave credit to Paul and Barnabas rather than
the one true God.

PAUL AND BARNABAS CRY OUT

Act 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and
ran in among the people, crying out,

While the people prepare to make sacrifices, Paul and Barnabas are inside the house where
they are staying. When they realize what is happening, they run outside and tear their clothes
to prove they are human.