4 But the people of the city were divided, some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles. v 5 When an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to assault and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian towns called Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding countryside. w 7 And there they kept evangelizing. x

Mistaken for Gods in Lystra

8 In Lystra a man without strength in his feet, lame from birth, y and who had never walked, sat 9 and heard Paul speaking. After observing him closely and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” And he jumped up and started to walk around. z

11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the form of men!” a 12 And they started to call Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the main speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought oxen and garlands to the gates. He, with the crowds, intended to offer sacrifice.

14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting: b 15 “Men! Why are you doing these things? We are men also, with the same nature as you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you should turn from these worthless things c to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. d e 16 In past generations He allowed all the nations f to go their own way, 17 although He did not leave Himself without a witness, g since He did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons h and satisfying your i hearts with food and happiness.” 18 Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.