Imagine the scene: a crowd is about to offer sacrifices to you! How do you react? Paul and Barnabas show us a profound way to deflect worship, reminding people of a crucial truth.
When the people of Lystra, mistaking Paul and Barnabas for gods, prepared to offer sacrifices, the apostles reacted with shock and horror. They immediately declared, 'We also are men, of like nature with you.'
A Stark Contrast
This wasn't just modesty; it was a powerful theological statement. They were emphatically rejecting any divine status, emphasizing their shared humanity – their shared feelings, needs, and mortal nature. This stands in sharp contrast to the divine nature of God, who is 'exempt from passions' and immortal.
Why This Matters
Their immediate refusal to accept worship highlighted the immense difference between humanity and the divine. It was a crucial first step in redirecting the crowd away from worshipping mere mortals and toward the one true God. This radical humility is a hallmark of true servants of God.
