What lessons can we learn from Paul and Barnabas's response to idolatry? Setting the Scene in Lystra (Acts 14:8-13) • Paul heals a man crippled from birth. • The crowd hails Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes. • “The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, intending with the crowds to offer sacrifices.” (Acts 14:13) Lesson 1: Refuse Glory That Belongs to God • Paul and Barnabas immediately “tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd” (Acts 14:14). • Tearing garments signaled horror at blasphemy (cf. 2 Kings 18:37; Mark 14:63). • Their instinct shows that any honor reserved for God alone must be rejected without delay. • Compare Herod’s opposite response—accepting worship and being struck by an angel (Acts 12:21-23). Lesson 2: Confront Idolatry Directly, Yet Humbly • They cry, “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you.” (Acts 14:15) • They admit their shared humanity, refusing superiority while still confronting error. • Similar balance in 1 Peter 3:15—defend the hope “with gentleness and respect.” Lesson 3: Proclaim the Living Creator • “We are proclaiming the gospel to you, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.” (Acts 14:15) • Idols are “worthless things” (cf. Psalm 96:5; Jeremiah 10:11). • Creation underscores God’s universal authority (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11). • Romans 1:25 warns of exchanging “the truth of God for a lie,” highlighting the same principle. Lesson 4: Call for Repentance, Not Compromise • Paul urges a decisive turn—“turn from these worthless things.” • True gospel witness never accommodates idolatry (1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:14). • Repentance is both negative (turning from) and positive (turning to) the living God. Lesson 5: Use Common Grace as a Bridge • God “has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:17) • Paul starts where the Lystrans live—rain, crops, gladness—then points to the Giver. • Parallel approach on Mars Hill: “He gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:25) Lesson 6: Expect Mixed Results and Persevere • Even with a clear witness, “even saying these things, they scarcely restrained the crowds from sacrificing to them.” (Acts 14:18) • Soon after, the same city stones Paul (Acts 14:19-20). • Faithfulness is measured by obedience, not by immediate success (2 Timothy 4:2-5). Living It Out Today • Reject every form of idolatry—celebrity culture, self-admiration, material obsession. • Guard God’s glory in speech, ministry, and personal achievement. • Present the gospel plainly: humanity’s sin, God’s provision in Christ, the call to repent and believe. • Leverage everyday blessings—sunrise, meals, friendships—to highlight God’s goodness. • Endure misunderstanding and hostility, knowing the message remains true and powerful (Romans 1:16). |
    |