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Question 247 of 405

When the Lycaonians saw the miracle of healing by the apostles, they tried to

  • A. accept the Gospel through Paul and Barnabas
  • B. sacrifice to both Paul and Barnabas
  • C. arrest Paul and Barnabas
  • D. send Paul and Barnabas away

Correct Answer: B

Explanation
The correct option is B. sacrifice to both Paul and Barnabas. Detailed Explanation:
  1. Context of the Miracle: The event in question refers to a significant moment in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts (Acts 14:8-18). Here, Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra, a city in Lycaonia, where they performed a miraculous healing of a man who had been crippled from birth. This miracle was a powerful demonstration of God's power through the apostles.
  2. Reaction of the Lycaonians: Upon witnessing this miracle, the Lycaonians were astonished and believed that Paul and Barnabas were gods in human form. They began to shout in their native Lycaonian language, calling Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes," as they were the chief speakers. This reaction stemmed from their cultural background, where they associated divine intervention with the presence of gods among them.
  3. Attempt to Sacrifice: The people of Lystra, in their excitement and misunderstanding, decided to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. They brought oxen and garlands to the gates of the city, intending to honor the apostles as deities. This act of sacrifice was a common practice in their culture to appease or honor gods they believed had manifested in human form.
  4. Paul and Barnabas's Response: When Paul and Barnabas realized what was happening, they were horrified. They tore their clothes, a traditional sign of distress, and rushed out to the crowd, urging them to stop. They explained that they were mere humans, just like the Lycaonians, and that they were there to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, urging the people to turn from their worthless idols to the living God.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
  • A. accept the Gospel through Paul and Barnabas: While the ultimate goal of Paul and Barnabas was to spread the Gospel, the immediate reaction of the Lycaonians was not to accept the Gospel but to worship the apostles as gods. Their understanding was clouded by their cultural beliefs, leading them to idolize the apostles rather than listen to their message.
  • C. arrest Paul and Barnabas: There is no indication in this specific event that the Lycaonians sought to arrest Paul and Barnabas. In fact, the opposite occurred; they wanted to honor them. Arresting them would not align with the context of the miracle and the people's reaction.
  • D. send Paul and Barnabas away: This option is also incorrect because the Lycaonians were not trying to send the apostles away. Instead, they were attempting to bring them closer to honor them through sacrifices. Sending them away would contradict the enthusiastic response they had to the miracle.
Summary of Key Points:
  • The Lycaonians reacted to the miracle by attempting to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas, believing them to be gods.
  • This reaction was rooted in their cultural understanding and the significance they placed on divine manifestations.
  • Paul and Barnabas quickly corrected this misunderstanding, emphasizing their humanity and the true message of the Gospel.
  • The event highlights the challenges of cross-cultural communication in the spread of Christianity.
This thorough understanding of the event will help you grasp the significance of the apostles' actions and the cultural context in which they were operating.
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