The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 187

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

PREACHING AMONG THE HEATHEN 181 power of God, Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Lystra. At one time, while Paul was telling the people of Christ's work as a healer of the sick and afflicted, he saw among his hearers a cripple, whose eyes were fastened on him, and who received and believed his words. Paul's heart went out in sympathy toward the afflicted man, in whom he discerned one who ' ' had faith to be healed." In the presence of the idolatrous assembly, Paul commanded the cripple to stand upright on his feet. Heretofore the sufferer had been able to take a sitting posture only; but now, he instantly obeyed Paul's command, and for the first time in his life stood on his feet. Strength came with this effort of faith, and he who had been a cripple ^'leaped and walked." "When the loeople saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." This statement was in harmony with a tradition of theirs that the gods occasionally visited the earth. Barnabas they called Jupiter, the father of gods, because of his venerable appearance, his dignified bearing, and the mildness and benevolence expressed in his countenance. Paul they believed to be Mercury, "because he was the chief speaker," earnest and active, and eloquent with words of warning and exhortation. The Lystrians, eager to show their gratitude, prevailed upon the priest of Jupiter to do the apostles honor; and he "brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people." Paul and Barnabas, who had sought retirement and