From the Acts of the Apostles. There was an attempt in Iconium by both the Gentiles and the Jews,

together with their leaders, to attack and stone Paul and Barnabas. They realized it and fled to the

lichen cities of Listera and Derby to the surrounding countryside, where they continued to proclaim the good news.

At Listra, there was a crippled man laying from birth who had never walked.

He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him, saw that he had the faith to be healed,

and called out in a loud voice, stand up straight on your feet.

Jumped up and began to walk about.

The crowd saw what Paul had done.

They cried out in Laconian.

The gods have come down to us in human form.

They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes because he was the chief speaker.

And the priest Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance of the city,

brought oxen and garlands to the gate, for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice.

The apostles, Barnabas and Paul tore their garments when they had heard this and rushed

out into the crowd shouting, men, why are you doing this? We are the same nature as you, human beings. We

proclaim to you the good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, who made

heaven and earth the sea and all that is in them.

In past generations, he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways.

Yet, in bestowing his goodness, he did not leave himself without witness,

for he gave you reins from heaven and fruitful seasons and filled you with nourishment and

gladness for your hearts. Even with these words, they scarcely restrain the crowds from offering

sacrifice to them. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory not to us oh lord but to your name give the glory

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