What does Acts 14:15 reveal about God's role as "Creator of heaven and earth"? Setting the Scene • Paul and Barnabas have just healed a man in Lystra, and the astonished crowd tries to worship them as the gods Zeus and Hermes. • Horrified, the missionaries tear their clothes and rush into the crowd with a corrective message—Acts 14:15. The Core Statement “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.” (Acts 14:15) What Acts 14:15 Reveals about God the Creator • Living, not lifeless—He is “the living God,” in stark contrast to idols made of stone or wood. • Maker of all realms—“heaven and earth and sea” covers every sphere humans know. • Comprehensive workmanship—“everything in them” rules out any rival source of existence or authority. • Personal involvement—“made” is an intentional act, not an impersonal process. • Foundation of the gospel call—because He created us, we owe Him repentance and faith. How Scripture Echoes This Truth • Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” • Exodus 20:11: “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them…” • Psalm 146:6: “the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He remains faithful forever.” • Acts 17:24: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth…” • Colossians 1:16: “For in Him all things were created… All things were created through Him and for Him.” • Revelation 4:11: “For You created all things, and by Your will they exist, and came to be.” Why This Matters Today • Worship—Only the Creator is worthy of honor; any substitute is “worthless.” • Repentance—Turning from idols isn’t optional; it’s the logical response to meeting the true Maker. • Stewardship—He owns what He made, so caring for creation honors its rightful Lord. • Confidence—Because He created “everything,” nothing in life lies outside His power or concern. • Evangelism—Paul models a gospel starting point that still resonates: introduce people to the living Creator before explaining the cross and resurrection. Takeaway Acts 14:15 places creation at the heart of the gospel invitation, reminding every generation that the One who fashioned heaven, earth, and sea alone deserves our allegiance and praise. |
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