"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. “Men, why are you doing this?This phrase is a direct address to the crowd in Lystra, who were attempting to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, mistaking them for gods. This reflects the common Greco-Roman practice of deifying humans and the misunderstanding of divine power. It highlights the apostles' rejection of idolatry and their commitment to redirecting worship to the one true God. Rev 22:9 But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant… We too are only men, human like you. Paul and Barnabas emphasize their humanity to counter the crowd's belief that they are divine. This humility is consistent with biblical teachings that all glory belongs to God alone. It also aligns with the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, where Jesus, though divine, took on human form (Philippians 2:6-7). Act 10:26 But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said,… We are bringing you good news The "good news" refers to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. This proclamation is central to the apostles' mission and echoes the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It signifies the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ. Rom 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent?… that you should turn from these worthless things The "worthless things" refer to idols and pagan practices prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. This call to repentance is a recurring theme in Scripture, urging a turn from idolatry to worship the true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). It underscores the futility of worshiping created things rather than the Creator. 1Th 1:9 For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us,… to the living God, The "living God" contrasts with lifeless idols and emphasizes God's active and dynamic presence in the world. This term is used throughout the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and sovereignty (Jeremiah 10:10). It also points to the resurrection of Jesus, affirming God's power over life and death. Dan 6:26 I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom,… who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. This phrase affirms God's role as the Creator, a foundational belief in Judeo-Christian theology (Genesis 1:1). It reflects the biblical worldview that God is the source of all life and sustains the universe. This declaration is a call to recognize God's authority and reject the worship of creation itself, aligning with the first commandment (Exodus 20:3-4). Psa 146:6 the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul and BarnabasApostles and missionaries spreading the Gospel. In this passage, they are in Lystra, addressing the crowd. 2. Lystra A city in the region of Lycaonia, where Paul and Barnabas performed miracles and preached the Gospel. 3. The Crowd The people of Lystra who attempted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, mistaking them for gods. 4. The Living God The one true God, Creator of all things, whom Paul and Barnabas are proclaiming. 5. Worthless Things Refers to idols and false gods that the people of Lystra were worshiping. Teaching Points Reject IdolatryJust as Paul and Barnabas urged the people of Lystra, we must reject modern forms of idolatry, whether they be material possessions, status, or other distractions that take precedence over God. Proclaim the Creator Emphasize the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God as the Creator of all things, which is foundational to our faith. Humanity of God's Messengers Recognize that spiritual leaders and missionaries are human and should not be idolized or placed on a pedestal. Embrace the Good News The Gospel is transformative, calling us to turn away from "worthless things" and towards a relationship with the living God. Live as Witnesses Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to be witnesses of the Gospel, sharing the truth of God with those around us. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern "worthless things" that can become idols in our lives, and how can we turn from them to focus on the living God?2. How does recognizing God as the Creator influence our daily worship and relationship with Him? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are not placing spiritual leaders on a pedestal, but rather focusing on the message they bring? 4. How can we effectively share the "good news" in our own communities, following the example of Paul and Barnabas? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that our lives reflect the transformation that comes from turning to the living God? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-4The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing the call to worship the one true God. Psalm 146:6 Acknowledges God as the Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, reinforcing the message of Acts 14:15. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Describes turning from idols to serve the living and true God, similar to the call in Acts 14:15. Romans 1:25 Discusses exchanging the truth of God for a lie, worshiping created things rather than the Creator. Revelation 14:7 Calls people to worship the Creator, echoing the message of turning to the living God. People Barnabas, Hermes, Jupiter, Mercurius, PaulPlaces Attalia, Derbe, Iconium, Lycaonia, Lystra, Pamphylia, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Syrian AntiochTopics Bring, Bringing, Creator, Ever-living, Feelings, Foolish, Gospel, Heaven, Kindred, Like-affected, Nature, Natures, News, Passions, Preach, Preaching, Proclaiming, Saying, Sirs, Sky, Telling, Therein, Tidings, Turn, Unreal, Vain, Vanities, Worship, WorthlessDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 14:15 1080 God, living 7759 preachers, qualifications 1436 reality Library Dream and Reality'The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.' --ACTS xiv. 11. This was the spontaneous instinctive utterance of simple villagers when they saw a deed of power and kindness. Many an English traveller and settler among rude people has been similarly honoured. And in Lycaonia the Apostles were close upon places that were celebrated in Greek mythology as having witnessed the very two gods, here spoken of, wandering among the shepherds and entertained with modest hospitality in their huts. The … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts 'The Door of Faith' Deified and Stoned The Cripple at Lystra Historical Criticism of Mediæval Amplifications. St. Barnabas' Day. We Preach unto You that Ye Should Turn from These Vanities unto the Living God which Made Heaven Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should be Transfigured? Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers Paul at Athens The Publisher to the Reader. Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. Apostles To-Day? Letter xi (Circa A. D. 1120) the Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Holy violence Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen. Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves Incumbent on all Rational Beings, The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Concerning Persecution Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop . Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us Links Acts 14:15 NIVActs 14:15 NLT Acts 14:15 ESV Acts 14:15 NASB Acts 14:15 KJV Acts 14:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |