Paul and Barnabas in Lystra

Context & Setting

• Main Biblical Reference: Acts 14:8–20
• Historical Period: Early Roman imperial era (time of the early church)
• Geographic Location: Lystra in Lycaonia (in Asia Minor; present-day Turkey)
• Key Characters: Paul, Barnabas, a man lame from birth, local crowds, Jewish opponents from Antioch and Iconium

The Narrative

The Beginning:
Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra during their missionary work, proclaiming the gospel. There, Paul notices a man who had been lame from birth and perceives that he has faith to be made well. Paul commands him to stand, and the man is healed publicly.

The Middle:
The crowd responds by interpreting the miracle through their local religious framework, calling Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,” since Paul is the main speaker. A priest of Zeus brings oxen and garlands, and the people attempt to offer sacrifices to them. Paul and Barnabas tear their garments and urgently reject the worship, insisting they are human and calling the people to turn from “vain things” to the living God who made heaven and earth. They point to God’s witness in creation and providence—rain, fruitful seasons, and human gladness—yet even with these words they struggle to restrain the crowd.

The End:
Jewish opponents arrive from Antioch and Iconium and persuade the crowds against Paul. Paul is stoned and dragged out of the city, presumed dead, but he rises and re-enters Lystra; the next day he and Barnabas depart for Derbe. The mission continues despite misunderstanding, attempted idolatry, and violent opposition.

Theological Meaning

This episode highlights the gospel’s advance among Gentiles and the challenge of proclaiming Israel’s God in polytheistic contexts. Paul and Barnabas refuse honor that belongs to God alone, modeling worship-centered ministry and the rejection of idolatry. The story also displays a recurring pattern in Acts: God confirms the message through signs, yet the messengers share in suffering—showing that God’s saving work often advances amid rejection, and that the risen Lord sustains his witnesses even when they are brought low.

Historical & Cultural Insight

Lystra lay in a region where Greek and local Anatolian religious traditions mixed under Roman rule. Acts’ portrayal of a crowd quickly identifying visitors with Zeus and Hermes fits the widespread practice of interpreting extraordinary events through familiar Greco-Roman divine categories, especially in rural areas where local cults and temple personnel (such as a “priest of Zeus”) were part of civic life.

Key Memory Verse

“We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news…” — Acts 14:15