In Lystra And Derbe
IN LYSTRA AND DERBE
ACTS 14:8-18
Are we like Paul and Barnabas in tailoring what we say to match our audience?
Both parts of Paul’s ministry at Lystra are full of interest. His action in healing the crippled man recalls Peter’s work at the temple gate (3:1-10). Both apostles evidently had a presence which commanded attention and drew out the earnest hopes of the needy invalids they encountered (note the double reference to intense longing—3:5 and 14:9—which was matched by a direct look from the apostles).
The behavior of the crowd (14:11-13) was typical of the people of Lycaonia whose district, so tradition reported, had once upon a time been favored by a visit from Zeus (the king of the Greek gods) and Hermes (his messenger). Recent archaeological finds in that area of Asia Minor have shown that the cults of Zeus and Hermes flourished in the third century AD and go back earlier. In fact the priests of Zeus (cf. 14:13) are referred to in the inscription unearthed by W.M. Calder of Manchester in 1922.
The statement in 14:11 is at first not understood by Paul and Barnabas because of its strange language which they did not know; only when the Lystrans began to give them divine honors (14:13) did they realize the purport of it all. Hence their horrified rejection of what the people intended to do (14:14).
A further point of interest is Paul’s speech (14:15-18). This brief and impromptu statement is the first opportunity Paul had to address a Gentile audience and it is important to observe the features of the Christian message which it highlights. It cannot be complete in itself and was probably never finished, for Paul had still to mention the distinctive elements such as the cross and resurrection of Jesus, when he was stopped (14:18). The verses, therefore, contain a preamble to the gospel, and lay the foundation for it in a concise summary of “natural theology.” What are the chief points which he makes (14:15-17)?
Notes 14:9: how could this man’s “faith to be made well” be evident to Paul? Was it a look in his eyes or any expression on his face? 14:14: a sign of mourning: here it is expressive of disgust that the Lystrans should have regarded them as gods come to earth. Such actions were idolatry (14:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:9), which is inexcusable in view of God’s creatorship (14:15), past forbearance (14:16), and general revelation in Nature (Romans 1:19-23).
Study Continue a comparison between Paul’s experience with these people in Galatia and the letter he later wrote to them. For instance, see Galatians 4:14 (in the light of the name of Hermes given to him); 1:6; 3:1 (the Galatians’ fickleness); 6:17 (cf. 14:19).