Treated Like Gods

Paul and Barnabus get run out of town again, which provides a new audience to hear the gospel. After healing a crippled man, the local community begins to worship Paul and Barnabus. Paul puts a quick stop to the idolatry. Opposition is revealed in a different quarter: in ideas of who God is that are far too small (and far too human).

Read: Acts 14:1-15 (NLT)

Explore the Theme: Paul and Barnabus took the gospel where people were divided and the people they visit eventually become violent and try to stone them. As Paul and Barnabus visit a different city, the people there are also confused about who Paul and Barnabus are, this time the people claim Paul and Barnabus are gods! What do you think Paul and Barnabus were feeling as they were confronted with such extreme reactions as they were trying to spread the good news to these people?

Ask God: Do you have any areas in your life where you may be misunderstood? Maybe you have someone in your life that you’ve been trying to share the good news with but they haven’t accepted it yet. Ask God to give you persistence to keep pointing people towards Jesus even if it may be hard at times.

Live it Out: The Lord calls us to be humble in nature and to always give glory to God. What would it look like for you to always give glory to God for everything you do? When people see your good works, how do you think people would respond if you were to use that as an opportunity to share the good news?