Acts 14:18 meaning
In a remarkable account of Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, they faced the challenge of managing the response of a crowd who were ready to deify them after witnessing a miracle. The apostles had just healed a lame man, which led the people of Lystra to misinterpret the miracle as a sign of divinity. This event underscores humanity's tendency to idolize those who do great things rather than recognizing the power of God behind those acts. Paul and Barnabas struggled to prevent the people from offering sacrifices to them, passionately redirecting their adoration back to God. The significance of this episode reveals the distractions and potential pitfalls that accompany powerful ministries, emphasizing that divine work should always point to the Creator, not the instruments He uses.
Despite their best efforts to restrain the people, the zealous crowd nearly overwhelmed them, demonstrating the deep-rooted cultural practices of idolatry. This episode highlights the challenge of maintaining proper perspective in our reverence and gratitude, reminding us that glory belongs solely to God. Their plea to the crowd not to worship them reflects the struggle against idolatry prevalent in many cultures today, a struggle that persists in contemporary worship settings.
Acts 14:18
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 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.
- Acts 8:14-25 meaning. Peter and John journey from Jerusalem to pray over the Samaritans, because the Holy Spirit has not yet come into their hearts. When Simon sees the Spirit descend on the believers, he offers Peter money to buy the power to give the Spirit to people. Peter rebukes him sternly, telling him to repent and ask God’s forgiveness for his power-hungry request. Simon asks the apostles to ask God’s forgiveness for his error.
- Acts 11:11-18 meaning. Peter’s Defense to the Skeptical Jews continues: The Spirit Fell on the Gentiles. After Peter’s vision in Joppa, three men sent from Caesarea arrived at his location. Commanded by the Holy Spirit, Peter went with them to meet the centurion Cornelius who had been instructed by an angel to seek Peter. Peter preaches the gospel to Cornelius, his friends, and his family—Gentiles all. The Holy Spirit falls upon the Gentiles as they believe in Jesus. After hearing this account, the Jerusalem believers realize that God had granted Gentiles the opportunity to be saved from sin to eternal life.