Acts 14:14–15

When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you!”

After Paul and Barnabas were rudely bundled out of Iconium, they fled 19 miles south to the small Roman city of Lystra, perhaps assuming that due to Paul’s status as a Roman citizen they would receive more respect there. While there, a man who

had been lame from birth was healed and the people were so excited that they concluded that Paul and Barnabas must be gods (vv8–13). The missionaries were slow to understand what was going on because the people were speaking in their own local language. Things went from bad to much worse when the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, turned up with bulls and wreaths in order to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas.

Paul was determined to put the matter straight as soon as possible. He was clearly horrified to be thought of as a god. In his anguish and sadness, he dramatically tore his clothes and assured the crowd that they had totally misunderstood the situation. Far from being gods, he and Barnabas had come in the name of the one living God.

Every public speaker is well aware of the danger of being misunderstood. This is a particularly dramatic illustration, but the principle is the same for anyone who opens their mouth in public. If you are a public speaker then you need humility. However carefully you prepare and speak, there will be occasions when you are completely misunderstood. This should prompt us all to pray for preachers and teachers who perform such a vital and challenging role.

Question

Which particular preacher or teacher do you need to pray for?

Prayer

Loving God, grant me your wisdom and a spirit of humility as I speak your truth and as I listen to others. Amen