Acts 14:18
Even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could hardly stop the crowds from sacrificing to them.
Even with these words
This phrase indicates a continuation of a previous discourse. Paul and Barnabas had been speaking to the crowd, attempting to redirect their misguided worship. The Greek word for "words" here is "logoi," which implies not just spoken words but a message or reasoned argument. This highlights the apostles' effort to communicate truth and reason to the people, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and the power of the spoken word in conveying the Gospel.

they had difficulty
The Greek term used here is "molis," which conveys a sense of struggle or great effort. This suggests that despite their earnest attempts, Paul and Barnabas faced significant resistance. This reflects the broader theme in Acts of the challenges faced by early Christians in spreading the Gospel, underscoring the perseverance required in ministry and the spiritual battle against misunderstanding and idolatry.

keeping the crowd
The word "keeping" comes from the Greek "katecho," meaning to hold back or restrain. This implies an active effort to prevent the crowd from acting on their intentions. The "crowd" represents the collective mindset of the people, often swayed by emotion and spectacle rather than truth. This highlights the apostles' role as shepherds, guiding and protecting the flock from spiritual error.

from sacrificing to them
The act of "sacrificing" in this context refers to the pagan practice of offering animals to deities, which was common in the Greco-Roman world. The crowd mistook Paul and Barnabas for gods, a misunderstanding rooted in their cultural and religious background. This phrase underscores the clash between the monotheistic message of Christianity and the polytheistic practices of the time. It also serves as a reminder of the apostles' humility and their commitment to redirecting glory to the one true God, rather than accepting it for themselves.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
A key apostle in the early church, known for his missionary journeys and theological contributions to Christianity. In this passage, he is actively preaching the Gospel.

2. Barnabas
A fellow missionary and companion of Paul. Known for his encouragement and support of early Christians, he plays a significant role in spreading the Gospel.

3. The Crowds
The people of Lystra, who, after witnessing a miracle, mistakenly believe Paul and Barnabas to be gods and attempt to offer sacrifices to them.

4. Lystra
A city in the region of Lycaonia, where Paul and Barnabas are preaching. It is a place with a mix of pagan beliefs, which influences the crowd's reaction.

5. Sacrificing to Them
The event where the people of Lystra, misunderstanding the source of the miracle, try to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, thinking they are deities.
Teaching Points
Guard Against Idolatry
Even well-intentioned admiration can lead to idolatry. We must ensure our worship and reverence are directed solely toward God.

Discernment in Miracles
Miracles should point us to God, not to the individuals through whom they occur. We must discern the source and purpose of miraculous events.

Humility in Ministry
Like Paul and Barnabas, we should deflect glory from ourselves to God, recognizing that any good we do is through His power.

Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding the cultural context of those we minister to can help prevent misunderstandings and effectively communicate the Gospel.

Perseverance in Truth
Despite opposition or misunderstanding, we must persist in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, as Paul and Barnabas did.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we ensure that our admiration for spiritual leaders does not turn into idolatry, as seen in Acts 14:18?

2. In what ways can we practice humility in our own ministries or areas of influence, following the example of Paul and Barnabas?

3. How does understanding the cultural context of those around us help in sharing the Gospel effectively?

4. What are some modern-day examples of miracles or events that might lead people to misplace their worship, and how can we redirect that worship to God?

5. How can the teachings in Romans 1 about worshiping the Creator rather than the creation apply to our daily lives and spiritual practices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 10
Peter's encounter with Cornelius, where Peter emphasizes that he is just a man, similar to how Paul and Barnabas reject divine status.

Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments, particularly the command against idolatry, which is relevant as the crowd's actions verge on idolatry.

1 Corinthians 8
Paul's teaching on food offered to idols, which provides insight into the early church's struggle with pagan practices.

Romans 1
Discusses humanity's tendency to worship creation rather than the Creator, paralleling the crowd's reaction in Lystra.
At IconiumM. C. Hazard.Acts 14:1-18
Characteristics of Apostolic PreachingG. R. Leavett.Acts 14:1-18
Courage Requisite in ReformersW. H. Beecher.Acts 14:1-18
Effects of Gospel PreachingS. S. TimesActs 14:1-18
God's Testimony to His WordJames Jeffrey.Acts 14:1-18
God's Testimony to the Word of His GraceB. Beddome, M. A.Acts 14:1-18
God's Testimony to the Word of His GraceH. Stowell, M. A.Acts 14:1-18
IconiumLyman Abbott, D. D.Acts 14:1-18
Iconium and LystraT. H. Hanna, D. D.Acts 14:1-18
Mode of Preaching the Gospel Adapted to SuccessE. T. Fitch, D. D.Acts 14:1-18
Perils of Missionary LifeActs 14:1-18
Persecution Turned into InspirationJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 14:1-18
Proper Witness BearingLisco.Acts 14:1-18
Strike, But Hear UsA. Fuller.Acts 14:1-18
The Courage of Devoted ChristiansActs 14:1-18
The Ministry of the Apostles At IconiumD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 14:1-18
The Insufficient and the EfficaciousW. Clarkson Acts 14:7-20
Apostolic Service and TemptationJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 14:8-18
Paul and Barnabas in LystraJ. Dick, D. D.Acts 14:8-18
The Light Shining in Darkness - LystraR.A. Redford Acts 14:8-18
Three Instances of FaithP.C. Barker Acts 14:8-18
Worship: the False and the TrueM. C. Hazard.Acts 14:8-18
Healing of the Lame Man At LystraE. Johnson Acts 14:8-20
Apostolic SincerityG. V. Lechler, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
Effects of Turning to GodActs 14:15-18
Food and GladnessHenry Jones, M. A.Acts 14:15-18
Food and GladnessActs 14:15-18
Fruitful Seasons AreJ. Brown, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
God in NatureK. Gerok.Acts 14:15-18
God Known by His WorksActs 14:15-18
God's WitnessesDean Vaughan.Acts 14:15-18
Man Must have Some ReligionW. Sparrow, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
Natural Religion, its Uses and DefectsI. Watts, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
Rain a Divine BlessingJ. Eadie, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
Revelation to be ExpectedA. Oliver, B. A .Acts 14:15-18
Seasons of Spiritual FruitfulnessR. G. Dillon, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
The Apostolic Testimony Against HeathenismD. Jones Hamer.Acts 14:15-18
The Beneficence of GodJ. Hambleton, M. A.Acts 14:15-18
The Book of Revelation and of NatureSir T. Browne.Acts 14:15-18
The Danger of Accepting False HomageJ. Bennett, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
The Flatterer RepulsedBiblical MuseumActs 14:15-18
The Living GodH. J. Van Dyke, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
The Pastoral OfficeM. B. Hogg, B. A.Acts 14:15-18
The Sublimity of Christianity and the Worthlessness of Human PopularityD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 14:15-18
The Voices of the HarvestF. W. Brown.Acts 14:15-18
The Witness of HarvestJohn Hunter.Acts 14:15-18
The Witness of the HarvestG. A. Bennetts, B. A.Acts 14:15-18
Witnesses for GodT. J. Judkin.Acts 14:15-18
People
Barnabas, Hermes, Jupiter, Mercurius, Paul
Places
Attalia, Derbe, Iconium, Lycaonia, Lystra, Pamphylia, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Syrian Antioch
Topics
Crowd, Crowds, Difficulty, Hardly, Keeping, Kept, Making, Multitudes, Offering, Preventing, Restrain, Restrained, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Sacrificing, Saying, Sayings, Scarce, Scarcely, Stopped, Thronging
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 14:1-23

     7924   fellowship, in service

Acts 14:8-18

     5188   tearing of clothes

Acts 14:11-18

     8770   idolatry, in NT

Acts 14:11-19

     5279   crowds

Acts 14:13-18

     8623   worship, of God

Library
Dream and Reality
'The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.' --ACTS xiv. 11. This was the spontaneous instinctive utterance of simple villagers when they saw a deed of power and kindness. Many an English traveller and settler among rude people has been similarly honoured. And in Lycaonia the Apostles were close upon places that were celebrated in Greek mythology as having witnessed the very two gods, here spoken of, wandering among the shepherds and entertained with modest hospitality in their huts. The
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'The Door of Faith'
'And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.'--ACTS xiv. 27. There are many instances of the occurrence of this metaphor in the New Testament, but none is exactly like this. We read, for example, of 'a great door and effectual' being opened to Paul for the free ministry of the word; and to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia, 'He that openeth and none shall shut' graciously
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Deified and Stoned
'And when the people 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. 12. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Cripple at Lystra
There are two or three points in this narrative to which I shall call your attention to-night, making, however, the lame man the center of the picture. We shall notice, first of all, what preceded this lame man's faith; secondly, wherein lay his faith to be healed; and thirdly, what is the teaching of the miracle itself, and the blessing which the lame man obtained through faith. I. WHAT WAS IT WHICH PRECEDED HIS FAITH? That "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," is a great and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Historical Criticism of Mediæval Amplifications.
But along with the genuine and trustworthy matter, the compiler has embodied much that is unattested and in many cases inherently improbable, and even some things that are demonstrably untrue. i. The Miraculous Details.--To the category of the improbable--the fiction of hagiology or the growth of myth--belong the miracles so freely ascribed to Ephraim and the miraculous events represented as attending on his career. It is noteworthy that Ephraim himself, though no doubt he believed that he was
Ephraim the Syrian—Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian

St. Barnabas' Day. We Preach unto You that Ye Should Turn from These Vanities unto the Living God which Made Heaven
St. Barnabas' Day. We preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: who in time past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7 Sollt ich meinem Gott nicht singen [130]Paul Gerhardt. 1659. trans. by Catherine
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should be Transfigured?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was not fitting that Christ should be transfigured. For it is not fitting for a true body to be changed into various shapes [figuras], but only for an imaginary body. Now Christ's body was not imaginary, but real, as stated above ([4222]Q[5], A[1]). Therefore it seems that it should not have been transfigured. Objection 2: Further, figure is in the fourth species of quality, whereas clarity is in the third, since it is a sensible quality. Therefore Christ's assuming
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
1. What the cross is. By whom, and on whom, and for what cause imposed. Its necessity and dignity. 2. The cross necessary. 1. To humble our pride. 2. To make us apply to God for aid. Example of David. 3. To give us experience of God's presence. 3. Manifold uses of the cross. 1. Produces patience, hope, and firm confidence in God, gives us victory and perseverance. Faith invincible. 4. 2. Frames us to obedience. Example of Abraham. This training how useful. 5. The cross necessary to subdue the wantonness
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
'And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47. For so hath the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Paul at Athens
'Then Paul stood In the midst of Mars-hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To the Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24. God, that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25. Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Publisher to the Reader.
There are no sermons I know of any divine or pastor in this kingdom, that have been more frequently printed, or more universally read and esteemed, than the elegant and judicious discourses of Mr. Binning, which were published after his death, at different times, in four small volumes. As there was a great demand for these valuable writings, about twenty six years ago; so these printed copies of them were compared with his own manuscript copy now in my hand, carefully revised, and then printed, in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Apostles To-Day?
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are ye not my work in the Lord?"--1 Cor. ix. 1. We may not take leave of the apostolate without a last look at the circle of its members. It is a closed circle; and every effort to reopen it tends to efface a characteristic of the New Covenant. And yet the effort is being made again and again. We see it in Rome's apostolic succession; in the Ethical view gradually effacing the boundary-line between the apostles and believers;
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Letter xi (Circa A. D. 1120) the Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims
The Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims He consoles this abbot for the departure of the Monk Drogo and his transfer to another monastery, and exhorts him to patience. 1. How much I sympathize with your trouble only He knows who bore the griefs of all in His own body. How willingly would I advise you if I knew what to say, or help you if I were able, as efficaciously as I would wish that He who knows and can do all things should advise and assist me in all my necessities. If brother Drogo had consulted
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Holy violence
"But," says one, "do you wish us to understand, that if a man is to be saved he must use violence and vehement earnestness in order to obtain salvation?" I do, most assuredly; that is the doctrine of the text. "But," says one, "I thought it was all the work of God." So it is, from first to last. But when God has begun the work in the soul, the constant effect of God's work in us is to set us working; and where God's Spirit is really striving with us, we shall begin to strive too. This is just a test
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen.
[19] "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons."--Phil. 1:1. THIS opening verse of St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians is a very remarkable text of Scripture. I suspect it receives far less attention from Bible- readers than it deserves. Like the gold of California, men have walked over it for centuries, and have not observed what was under their feet. In fact, if some Anglican divines had stood at the
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves Incumbent on all Rational Beings,
even antecedent to the consideration of their being the positive will and command of God, yet that which most strongly confirms, and in practice most effectually and indispensably enforces them upon us, is this; that both from the perfections of God, and the nature of things, and from several other collateral considerations, it appears, that as God is himself necessarily just and good in the exercise of his infinite power in the government of the whole world, so he cannot but likewise positively
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
A.D. 45-70 Section 1. The First Mission to the Gentiles. [Sidenote: A.D. 45.] [Sidenote: St. Paul and St. Barnabas sent to preach to the heathen.] It would seem that in the special Eucharistic offerings and Lenten discipline mentioned by St. Luke[1], the Church in Antioch was seeking guidance of her Divine Head as to her duties with respect to the gentile world in the midst of which she was placed; and that the command of the Holy Ghost to consecrate St. Paul and St. Barnabas as Apostles to the
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop .
To Anastasius, Bishop [1602] . Gregory to Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14), because that great river which once had left the rocks of Antioch dry has returned at length to its proper channel, and waters the subject valleys that are near, so as also to bring forth fruit, some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some an hundred-fold. For now there is no doubt that many flowers of souls are growing up in its valleys, and that
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: ..... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. W hen our Lord was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and conversed with Him. Had we been informed of the interview only, we should probably have desired to know the subject of their conversation, as we might reasonably suppose it turned upon very interesting and important
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Links
Acts 14:18 NIV
Acts 14:18 NLT
Acts 14:18 ESV
Acts 14:18 NASB
Acts 14:18 KJV

Acts 14:18 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Acts 14:17
Top of Page
Top of Page