Turning from Idols

At Iconium a great crowd believed, but others stirred up the city. When a plan arose to mistreat and stone them, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe. "There they preached the Good News."

At Lystra a man who had never walked listened to Paul. Seeing he had faith to be made whole, Paul said, "Stand upright on your feet!" He leaped up and walked. The crowds cried that the gods had come down as men. The priest of Jupiter brought oxen and garlands to sacrifice.

Barnabas and Paul tore their clothes and ran in among the crowd. They said they were men of the same nature as the people. They urged them to turn from vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, and the sea. They said God "didn't leave himself without witness," for he gave rains and fruitful seasons.

Opponents from Antioch and Iconium won over the crowd. They stoned Paul and dragged him out, thinking he was dead. But when the disciples stood around him, he rose up. Returning through the cities, the apostles told the disciples that through many afflictions we must enter God's Kingdom. They appointed elders with prayer and fasting. At Antioch they reported that God had opened a door of faith to the nations (Acts 14:27).