How does Acts 14:15 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? Setting the Scene Acts 14 finds Paul and Barnabas in Lystra. After God heals a crippled man through them, the crowd hails the missionaries as gods—Zeus and Hermes—and prepares sacrifices. Paul immediately protests: “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” (Acts 14:15) Exodus 20:3—The Foundation of Exclusive Worship “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) Key truths embedded in the command: • God alone is worthy of worship. • Any rival—idol, ideology, or person—must be rejected. • Loyalty, love, and trust belong exclusively to the covenant-making LORD. Acts 14:15—Paul Echoes the First Commandment in Lystra Paul’s response in Lystra mirrors the heartbeat of Exodus 20:3: • Turns worshipers away from “worthless things” (idols) to the “living God.” • Declares God as sole Creator—“who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” • Rejects self-deification: even miracle-working apostles refuse glory that belongs only to God. Key Connections Between the Two Texts • Same God, Same Standard – Exodus 20:3 sets the timeless rule; Acts 14:15 shows the rule applied among Gentiles. • From National to Universal – Israel first heard the command at Sinai; Paul brings it to a pagan city, proving the First Commandment is for every nation. • Creator Identity – Yahweh identifies Himself as Creator in Sinai’s prologue (Exodus 20:2,11). Paul stresses the identical truth, grounding exclusive worship in God’s creative authority. • Repentance Defined – “Turn from these worthless things” rephrases “no other gods.” Genuine conversion means abandoning all competitors and giving God unrivaled allegiance. Scripture Cross-References • Deuteronomy 6:4–5—“Hear, O Israel…you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart.” • Isaiah 45:5—“I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God.” • 1 Corinthians 8:4–6—“There is no God but one…for us there is but one God, the Father… and one Lord, Jesus Christ.” • 1 Thessalonians 1:9—“You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” • Revelation 14:7—“Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Examine modern “idols”—success, relationships, technology, self—and turn from anything that competes with God’s glory. • Anchor evangelism in God’s exclusive right to worship, just as Paul did. • Let creation truths fuel worship; the Maker of everything deserves everything. • Keep humility central: if apostles rejected praise, so should every servant of Christ. Acts 14:15 doesn’t simply parallel Exodus 20:3; it proves that the First Commandment remains the unchanging cornerstone of true faith, from Sinai’s thunder to the city streets of Lystra—and to our lives now. |
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