Translations
Original
Notes
Zeus was the main god worshiped in Lystra, and the city had a temple for him. The people thought Barnabas was Zeus, likely because he seemed more impressive or powerful. They thought Paul was Hermes because he was the main speaker.
The people of Lystra believed the gods were visiting them again. This idea comes from a well-known story by the poet Ovid. In that story, Zeus and Hermes visited the area but were not recognized, except by an old couple (see Ovid, Metamorphoses 8.616–724). Because of this, the people tried to honor Paul and Barnabas as gods.
Paul healed a man who could not use his feet. This is similar to an earlier event in 3:1–12. In Acts, Paul’s work is shown as similar to Peter’s work. The many signs and wonders done among the Jews were also done among the Gentiles.
Events
People
Barnabas: A Levite from Cyprus who accompanied Paul on missionary journeys Hermes: Greek god, associated with Paul and Barnabas Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles Zeus: The chief god in Greek mythology
Glossary
Barnabas Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Galatia Gods and Goddesses Hermes Jerusalem Council Judaizers Jupiter Lois Lycaonia Lystra Paul the Apostle Persecution Zeus
Topics
Barnabas: Called Jupiter (Zeus) Christian Minister: Persecution: Paul Homage: Paul and Barnabas Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Jupiter Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Mercury Idolatry: People of Lystra Idolatry: Saints Refuse to Receive the Worship of Integrity: Paul and Barnabas, when the People of Lystra Desired to Deify Them Jupiter: Equivalent to Zeus, a Greek and Roman Deity Lycaonia: Paul Visits Towns of Lystra: One of Two Cities of Lycaonia, to Which Paul and Barnabas Fled from Persecutions in Iconium Mercurius: Paul Taken For, in Lycaonia Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul