Acts 14:11-18

11The crowds who saw what Paul had done shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come to us, and they look human.”

12They addressed Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes because Paul did most of the talking.

13Zeus’ temple was at the entrance to the city. The priest of the god Zeus brought bulls with flowery wreaths around their necks to the temple gates. The priest and the crowd wanted to offer a sacrifice ⌞to Paul and Barnabas⌟.

14When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they were very upset. They rushed into the crowd

15and said, “Men, what are you doing? We’re human beings like you. We’re spreading the Good News to you to turn you away from these worthless gods to the living God. The living God made the sky, the land, the sea, and everything in them.

16In the past God allowed all people to live as they pleased.

17Yet, by doing good, he has given evidence of his existence. He gives you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons. He fills you with food and your lives with happiness.”

18Although Paul and Barnabas said these things, they hardly kept the crowd from sacrificing to them.