Acts 14:15 meaning
When Paul and Barnabas performed a miraculous healing in Lystra, the people responded by deifying them, believing they were gods in human form. This incident reflects a cultural misunderstanding of divine power, as the locals associated miracles with the intervention of their gods, Zeus and Hermes. Paul and Barnabas were quick to reject this adoration, emphasizing their humanity and redirecting the people's attention to the "living God." Their plea to turn from these vanities toward the Creator highlights a key mission principle: pointing away from human glory to God's sovereignty.
In Acts 14:15, we see Paul passionately discouraging idolatry, asserting the importance of recognizing God as the true source of blessings and sustenance. This exchange reminds believers today of the dangers of misdirected worship and the essential calling to act as witnesses for God, rather than seeking personal glory. The rejection of worldly praise is crucial, as it keeps the focus on God's work rather than on the instruments He uses, combating the tendency to idolize human agents rather than God Himself.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Acts 14:14-18 meaning. The local priest of Zeus brings oxen to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas, because Paul healed a lame man by God’s power. Paul and Barnabas tear their robes and preach against this mistake. They explain that they serve the living God who created everything. God allowed the Gentiles to stray for some time, but He was still active in blessing their wellbeing. Their words do not seem to sink in, but they are able to, with difficulty, prevent the people of Lystra from sacrificing cows to them.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Acts 9:1-9 meaning. Saul the Pharisee continues his aggressive campaign against believers. He sets out on a journey to Damascus in Syria to arrest any disciples of Jesus there. When he has almost arrived to his destination, a light from heaven flashes and knocks him down, blinding him. The voice of Jesus asks Saul why he is persecuting Him. Saul goes into the city, still blind, and does not eat or drink for three days.
- Acts 7:1-8 meaning. The Sanhedrin asks Stephen if he is an enemy against the Temple and Moses. He begins his defense by teaching the history of Israel to the Jewish leaders. God appeared to Abraham and told him to go to a land which He would give him. God told Abraham that before his descendants would inherit the land, they would be enslaved for 400 years. As commanded, Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Mark 1:7-8 meaning. John the Baptizer answers the question posed by all of Judea and Jerusalem: he is not the Messiah. However, John the Baptizer unequivocally announces the Messiah is coming, and He will baptize with the Holy Spirit who is the down payment and assurance of salvation.
Set to dark modeSet to dark modeAsk The Bible Says