11. Seeing what Paul had done, the crowd shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have taken human form and come down to visit us!"
12. They referred to Barnabas as Zeus and to Paul as Hermes, since Paul was the main speaker.
13. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was located just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates. Along with the crowds, he wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
14. When the Lord’s messengers Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes in protest and rushed out into the crowd. They shouted,
15. "People, what are you doing? We are humans too, just like you! We are proclaiming the good news to you: turn to the living God and away from such worthless things. He made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.
16. In the past, he permitted every nation to go its own way.
17. Nevertheless, he hasn’t left himself without a witness. He has blessed you by giving you rain from above as well as seasonal harvests, and satisfying you with food and happiness."
18. Even with these words, they barely kept the crowds from sacrificing to them.
19. Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and won the crowds over. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead.
20. When the disciples surrounded him, he got up and entered the city again. The following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
21. Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the good news to the people in Derbe and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, where
22. they strengthened the disciples and urged them to remain firm in the faith. They told them, "If we are to enter God’s kingdom, we must pass through many troubles."