MISTAKEN FOR GODS IN LYSTRA

8 In Lystra a man was sitting who was without strength in his feet, had never walked, and had been lame from birth. 9 He listened as Paul spoke. After looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And he jumped up and began to walk around.l

11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!”m 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought bulls and wreaths to the gates because he intended, with the crowds, to offer sacrifice.

14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting,n 15 “People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless thingso to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.B,p 16 In past generations he allowed all the nationsq to go their own way, 17 although he did not leave himself without a witness,r since he did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasonss and filling you with food and yourC hearts with joy.” 18 Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.