Paul Stoned at Lystra

While in Lystra, Paul encountered a man who had been unable to use his feet since birth and had never walked. Observing that the man had faith to be healed, Paul commanded him to stand upright on his feet, and the man leaped and walked (Acts 14:8-10). When the local crowds witnessed this act, they shouted in the Lycaonian language that the gods had come down in human form. The people identified Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes because he was the chief speaker (Acts 14:11-12). The priest of Zeus brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to offer sacrifice with the crowds.

Upon hearing this, Barnabas and Paul tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, protesting that they were merely men of like nature. They urged the people to turn from these vain things to a living God who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things in them (Acts 14:14-15). Paul stated that in past generations God allowed all nations to walk in their own ways, yet He did not leave Himself without witness through His witness of rains and fruitful seasons. Even with these words, the apostles scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them (Acts 14:17-18).

However, Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and persuaded the crowds to turn against the apostles. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead (Acts 14:19). While the disciples stood around him, Paul rose up and entered the city. The text does not say how he was able to stand after the stoning. The next day, he departed with Barnabas for Derbe (Acts 14:20).