The priest of the temple of Zeus, located just outside the city, brought bulls and garlands to the city gates; he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, “Men, why are you doing these things? We too are men, with human natures just like you!
Acts 14:13-15a NET
As they traveled on what we have come to call Paul’s first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas came to the city of Lystra. While there, Paul healed a man who was lame from birth. And instantly, the crowd identified Barnabas as the Greek god Zeus and Paul as Hermes, the spokesman for the gods. And they prepared to offer sacrifices to them.
Why did the people jump to that conclusion? About 40 years before this, a story was written that claimed Zeus and Hermes, in human form, had visited 1,000 homes in the area, looking for hospitality. Only a single elderly couple welcomed them. In response, the gods sent a flood to the region that destroyed Lystra but spared the welcoming couple. It would appear the residents of Lystra did not want to make that mistake again.
Once Paul and Barnabas realized what was happening, they reacted in horror. They pled with the people not to sacrifice to them, declaring themselves to be only human, just like they were. They managed to stop the sacrifice, but the crowd then turned on them, and Paul was stoned by the crowd and left for dead.
I have never been mistaken for a god. And if I were, I would hope to respond like Paul and Barnabas rather than Herod (Acts 12:21-23). But I have experienced times when people thought more highly of me than they should. And I, in turn, have been guilty of elevating others.
God Alone Is Worthy of Our Acclaim
When responding to human acclaim, we should never lose sight of Paul’s response to the crowd. I am only a man doing the work God has called me to. He is the one who deserves honor and praise. Not me, or any other man or woman who is faithfully serving the Lord.
It is encouraging to be told we were helpful. And we, in turn, should encourage those who have nurtured us. But any acclaim we receive or give should be redirected to our Lord.
