Acts 14:8

6 they became aware of it and ^afled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.

7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

Idolatry at Lystra

8 ^aAnd in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.

9 This man heard Paul speaking.¹ Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,

10 said with a loud voice, ^a“Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.

11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, ^a“The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

Commentaries:

Forerunner Commentary
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What Does Acts 14:8 Mean?

Acts 14:8-18

Galatia was not a city but a province in Asia Minor. The church membership was undoubtedly composed mainly of Gentiles, and the males were physically uncircumcised (Galatians 5:2; 6:12-13). In looking at Paul's initial dealings with these people, we find that they had a history of worshipping pagan deities.

In Lystra, God healed a crippled man through Paul (Acts 14:8-18). The people of the area were so astonished at this miracle that they supposed Barnabas and Paul, whom they called Zeus and Hermes (verse 12), to be pagan gods! They wanted to sacrifice to them, and would have, if the apostles had not stopped them (verses 13-18). This shows that the people in Galatia were generally superstitious and worshipped pagan deities.

Earl L. Henn
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**Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Acts 14:8:**

Acts 14:8-18
Galatians 4:9-10
Galatians 4:9-10

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Idolatry at Lystra

What Does Acts 14:8 Mean?

Acts 14:8-18

Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Acts 14:8:

A Verse and a Thought,Every Morning

**Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Acts 14:8:**

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning