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AN ATTEMPT TO TEACH THE PEOPLE

Act 14:15 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 (useless) unto the living God,
which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Although the people have cried out in the language of Lyconia, Paul speaks in Greek so
everyone understands him. All Galatians worshiped the false gods of the air, land, and sea.
Paul explains that there is one true God who made all of these elements as well as them.

14:15 useless, mataios (mat-ah-yoss); Fruitless, empty, futile, frivolous, hollow, unreal,
unproductive, lacking substance, trifling, ineffectual, void of results, devoid of force,
success, or utility, and worthless. The word here describes Greek and Roman
mythological ritual. The unregenerate philosophy of that day made Paul and Barnabas
urged the people to turn from these useless (mataios) things. The message was “turn
from Zeus, who has never lived, to God who has always been alive. As Creator He is
worthy to be praised, worshiped, and trusted.”

Act 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Paul explains to the people, “God has allowed you to walk in your foolishness even though He
did not like it. That is why He has sent us to reveal Him to you.”

Act 14:17 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.

The universe and earth are a witness to God’s power and existence (Romans 1:20). Because the
people Paul addresses are Gentiles (heathen), they have never known about the manifestations
of Jesus revealed in the Old Testament like the angel of the Lord, Jehovah, and the rock. So
Paul explains that God sends rain and provides food. Because they live in an agricultural
economy, they can understand and appreciate Paul’s verbiage. He compares natural food to
spiritual food, “filling our hearts with food.” God always supplies spiritual nutrition for the new
birth.
THE CROWD DOES NOT LISTEN

Act 14:18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done
sacrifice unto them.

The crowd is still in a frenzy and emotionally charged. They are not ready to listen to teaching,
and they have not ceased in their attempts to offer sacrifices.