16 May 2022
‘Friends, why are you doing this? We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to follow their own ways; yet he has not left himself without a witness in doing good—giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.’
From Acts 14:5-18, NRSV
Paul’s words were addressed to the people of Lycaonia – the place to which he and Paul had fled for safety after attacks and threats were made against them in Iconium. He was addressing the ways in which people had reacted after he had healed a crippled man. The people believed that Paul and Barnabas were gods and they were in the process of preparing for sacrifices to be made to them. Paul wanted them to know that he and Barnabas were just “mortals” like them and that what they had seen was done in Christ’s name. They wanted the people to realise that here was a greater power than that of the gods and to turn away from “worthless” idolatry. However, despite reminding the people of all the good things that came from God, the crowd persisted with wanting to offer sacrifice.
- Why do you suppose that the people of Lycaonia persisted in viewing Paul and Barnabas as “gods”?
- When have you been aware of God’s power at work in others?
Give thanks for the gift of faith and pray for those whose faith is tested.
