Paul Suffers Affliction

While preaching in Lystra, Paul saw a cripple who had great faith. He commanded him to stand up straight on his feet. This man who had been lame from birth leaped and walked, and everyone who saw him was amazed. This news spread throughout the city and the people thought Paul and Barnabas were Greek gods�兹eus and Hermes. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas. But Paul and Barnabas stopped them. Then gospel-opposing Jews came from Antioch and Iconium; and having persuaded the people, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him anxiously, he rose up and went into the city (Acts 14:8��20).