Articles
The Living God
“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.” (Acts 14:15, ESV).
The journeys of Paul and Barnabas brought them to Lystra. The good news of the gospel was accompanied by the healing of a man lame from his birth. These messengers of God were appalled when the people of Lystra responded by honoring them as gods.
At each of the cities of Asia Minor they preached the good news of Jesus. Both Jews and Gentiles alike were converted to Christ and made heirs of the kingdom of God. However, Paul and Barnabas we're not gods, but merely heralds of the heavenly message.
Those of Asia Minor were tempted to mingle their view of the gods with Christianity. Paul and Barnabas plainly taught that worship belonged to God alone. “We are just men like you. Turn to God.”
What distinguishes the living God from the gods of men? Jehovah is the creator of all things, including man. By His unfailing love and power He sustains this world with fruitful seasons. No man-made idol has ever had such power.
Paul and Barnabas energetically and powerfully disclaimed their connection to the gods. However, the Laconians could not be persuaded. Thus they soon were hurling stones at them.
Had the apostles been inclined, they may have mingled heathenism with Christianity. Instead, they pointed them to the living God who alone is able to set them free.
