Preaching Among the Heathen
37
grasped the hope that he might be healed by that Saviour, who, al-
though he had ascended to Heaven, was still man’s Friend and Physi-
cian, having more power even than when he was upon earth.
In the presence of that idolatrous assembly, Paul commanded the
cripple to stand upright upon his feet. Hitherto he had only been able
to take a sitting posture; but he now grasped with faith the words of
Paul, and instantly obeyed his command, and stood on his feet for
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the first time in his life. Strength came with this effort of faith; and
he who had been a cripple walked and leaped as though he had never
experienced an infirmity.
This work performed on the cripple was a marvel to all beholders.
The subject was so well known, and the cure was so complete, that
there was no room for skepticism on their part. The Lycaonians were
convinced that supernatural power attended the labors of the apostles,
and they cried out with great enthusiasm that the gods had come down
to them from Heaven in the likeness of men. This belief was in har-
mony with their traditions that gods visited the earth. They conceived
the idea that the great heathen deities, Jupiter and Mercury, were in
their midst in the persons of Paul and Barnabas. The former they be-
lieved to be Mercury; for Paul was active, earnest, quick, and eloquent
with words of warning and exhortation. Barnabas was believed to be
Jupiter, and father of gods, because of his venerable appearance, his
dignified bearing, and the mildness and benevolence expressed in his
countenance.
The news of the miraculous cure of the cripple was soon noised
throughout all that region, until a general excitement was aroused, and
priests from the temple of the gods prepared to do the apostles honor,
as visitants from the courts of Heaven, to sacrifice beasts to them, and
to bring offerings of garlands and precious things. The apostles had
sought retirement and rest in a private dwelling, when their attention
was attracted by the sound of music, and the enthusiastic shouting of a
vast assembly, who had come to the gate of the house where they were
abiding.
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When these ministers of God ascertained the cause of this visit and
its attendant excitement, they were filled with indignation and horror.
They rent their clothing, and rushed in among the multitude to prevent
further proceedings. Paul, in a loud, ringing voice that rose above the