Acts 14

1 Now it happened in Iconium that they went in the same way into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks trusted. 2 But the Jews who would not be persuaded stirred up and did harm to the souls of the nations against the brothers. 3 So they stayed a considerable time, speaking boldly in reliance on the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his favor, granting signs and wonders to happen through their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was split, and some were with the Jews and some with the apostles. [a] 5 And when a rush was made by both the nations and the Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and stone them, 6 they saw it coming and fled to the cities of Lycaonia — Lystra and Derbe and the country around them — 7 and there they went on bringing the good news.

8 And in Lystra a man was sitting who was powerless in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking straight at him and seeing that he had faith to be saved, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet.” And he leaped up and was walking about. 11 And the crowds, seeing what Paul had done, lifted up their voice, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And they called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes, since he was the one leading the speaking. 13 And the priest of the Zeus that is before the city brought bulls and garlands to the gates and wanted to sacrifice, along with the crowds. [b]

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We too are men with the same feelings as you, bringing you good news, so that you would turn back from these empty things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. [c] † 16 In the generations gone by he let all the nations go their own ways; 17 and yet he did not leave himself without a witness, doing good — giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And even saying these things they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won the crowds over they stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But when the disciples had gathered around him he got up and went into the city. And on the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And after bringing the good news to that city and making a considerable number of disciples, they went back to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, urging them to stay in the faith, and saying that through many afflictions we must go into the kingdom of God. [d] 23 And having appointed elders for them in each gathering, and prayed with fastings, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had put their trust. [e]

24 And going through Pisidia they came to Pamphylia, 25 and having spoken the word in Perga they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed off to Antioch, where they had been handed over to the favor of God for the work that they had completed. 27 And when they arrived and had gathered the gathering together, they reported everything God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations. 28 And they stayed no little time with the disciples.