Acts 14:1–12

GROWTH AND PERSECUTION IN ICONIUM

14 In Iconium they entered the Jewish synagogue, as usual, and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.f 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.g 3 So they stayed there a long time and spoke boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace by enabling them to do signs and wonders.h 4 But the people of the city were divided, some siding with the Jews and others with the apostles.i 5 When an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian towns of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside.j 7 There they continued preaching the gospel.k

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.