Preaching Among the Heathen
121
In Lystra there was no Jewish synagogue, though a few Jews were
living in the town. Many of the inhabitants of Lystra worshiped at a
temple dedicated to Jupiter. When Paul and Barnabas appeared in the
town and, gathering the Lystrians about them, explained the simple
truths of the gospel, many sought to connect these doctrines with their
own superstitious belief in the worship of Jupiter.
The apostles endeavored to impart to these idolaters a knowledge
of God the Creator and of His Son, the Saviour of the human race.
They first directed attention to the wonderful works of God—the sun,
the moon, and the stars, the beautiful order of the recurring seasons,
the mighty snow-capped mountains, the lofty trees, and other varied
wonders of nature, which showed a skill beyond human comprehen-
sion. Through these works of the Almighty, the apostles led the minds
of the heathen to a contemplation of the great Ruler of the universe.
Having made plain these fundamental truths concerning the Cre-
ator, the apostles told the Lystrians of the Son of God, who came from
heaven to our world because He loved the children of men. They spoke
of His life and ministry, His rejection by those He came to save, His
trial and crucifixion, His resurrection, and His ascension to heaven,
there to act as man’s advocate. Thus, in the Spirit and power of God,
[181]
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 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.” 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 believe to be Mercury, “because he was the