Keraia
Acts 14

Acts 14:13

The Visit to Lystra and Derbe · Acts 14:8–20
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Translations

Modern
The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds.
Traditional
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
Literal
And the priest of Zeus, being just outside the city, having brought oxen and wreaths to the gates, was desiring with the crowds to sacrifice.
Latin
Sacerdos quoque Jovis, qui erat ante civitatem, tauros et coronas ante januas afferens, cum populis volebat sacrificare.

Original

Greek
English
The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds.

Notes

Acts 14:11–13

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.

Acts 14:13–18

The apostles opposed the people's worship of idols and their attempt to offer sacrifices to them. They directed the people's worship to the living God. The apostles were representatives of God as they shared the good news of the Christian message.

Acts 14:8–20

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Barnabas Paul (Saul)

Events

People

Zeus: The chief god in Greek mythology

Glossary

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 Jerusalem Council Judaizers Jupiter Lois Lycaonia Lystra Paul the Apostle Persecution Priesthood Zeus

Topics

Barnabas: Called Jupiter (Zeus) Christian Minister: Persecution: Paul Flowers: Garlands of, Used in Worship of Idols Garlands: General Scriptures Concerning Gates of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed At Gates: Religious Services Held At Homage: Paul and Barnabas Idolatry: Other Customs of Offered Burnt offerings Idolatry: Saints Refuse to Receive the Worship of Idolatry: Victims Sacrificed In, often Adorned with Garlands 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 Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul