Acts 14:8-20 - Mistaken For Gods In Lystra

⁸ At Lystra there was a man sitting, who was powerless in his feet, a lame man unable to walk ever since he was born. ⁹ He heard Paul speaking, and Paul, gazing steadily at him and noticing that he had faith enough to make him better, ¹⁰ said in a loud voice, "Stand erect on your feet." Up he jumped and began to walk.

¹¹ Now when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul Hermes, since he was the chief spokesman. ¹³ Indeed the priest of the temple of Zeus in front of the town brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to offer sacrifice along with the crowds.

¹⁴ But when the apostles, Paul and Barnabas, heard this they rent their clothes and sprang out among the crowd, ¹⁵ shouting, "Men, what is this you are doing? We are but human, with natures like your own! The gospel we are preaching to you is to turn from such futile ways to the living God who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that in them is. ¹⁶ In bygone ages he allowed all nations to go their own ways, ¹⁷ though as the bountiful Giver he did not leave himself without a witness, giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, giving you food and joy to your heart's content." ¹⁸ Even by saying this, it was all they could do to keep the crowds from sacrificing to them.

¹⁹ But Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived, who won over the crowds, and after pelting Paul with stones they dragged him outside the town, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ However, as the disciples gathered round him, he got up and went into the town. Next day he went off with Barnabas to Derbe,