Acts 14:8-20
There is often confusion about credit when it comes to miracles. Paul notices a lame man who is listening intently to his preaching. He sees that “he had the faith to be healed” and takes the time to commend the action of faith and restore the man physically (v. 9). The man responds in faith, but the people misinterpret the miracle; they assume Paul had done it and then also assume he must be a god—Zeus, in fact.
How easy it was for these Greeks to think that Zeus had come down to them. Paul and Barnabas must act quickly to point to the living God, the Creator. It should have been an easy step to point to Jesus. Idolatry, though, was deeply rooted in these people and their emotions carry them to false conclusions.
This incident reminds us of the importance of complete clarity when we testify to the one, true, living God. We must understand the people and their context all while proclaiming the truth with words and actions they will understand.
Author: Eva Geddes