And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
And {G2532} saying {G3004}, Sirs {G435}, why {G5101} do ye {G4160} these things {G5130}? We {G2249} also {G2532} are {G2070} men {G444} of like passions {G3663} with you {G5213}, and preach {G2097} unto you {G5209} that ye should turn {G1994} from {G575} these {G5023} vanities {G3152} unto {G1909} the living {G2198} God {G2316}, which {G3739} made {G4160} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} earth {G1093}, and {G2532} the sea {G2281}, and {G2532} all things {G3956} that are therein {G1722}{G846}:
“Men! Why are you doing this? We’re just men, human like you! We are announcing Good News to you — turn from these worthless things to the living God who made heaven and earth and the sea and everything in them!
“Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.
and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:
-
Acts 10:26
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. -
1 Corinthians 8:4
¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one. -
James 5:17
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. -
1 Samuel 12:21
And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain. -
Revelation 14:7
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. -
Genesis 1:1
¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. -
Psalms 146:5
¶ Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:
Acts 14:15 captures a pivotal moment where the Apostle Paul and Barnabas vehemently reject divine worship, redirecting people's attention from themselves to the one true God. This verse highlights their humility and the core message of the gospel: turning from false worship to the living Creator.
Context
This verse is spoken by Paul and Barnabas in Lystra, a city in Lycaonia, after Paul miraculously heals a man who had been lame from birth (Acts 14:8). Witnessing this powerful miracle, the local populace, steeped in pagan mythology, immediately concluded that Paul and Barnabas were gods who had descended to earth. They identified Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes (due to his speaking role) and began preparing to offer sacrifices to them. This verse is their urgent and emphatic response to prevent this act of idolatry, demonstrating the profound distinction between the apostles' mission and pagan worship practices.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "men of like passions" translates the Greek word homoiopathes (ὁμοιοπαθής), meaning "of like feelings, of like nature, having the same susceptibilities." This powerfully conveys that Paul and Barnabas shared the same human frailties, emotions, and mortality as the Lystrans. The term "vanities" comes from the Greek mataia (μάταια), which describes things that are empty, futile, worthless, or idolatrous. This highlights the emptiness and spiritual barrenness of worshipping anything other than the one true "living God" (theos zōn), a stark contrast to dead idols.
Practical Application
Acts 14:15 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. Firstly, it calls us to profound humility; any success or good deed done through us is by God's power, not our own. We must always point people to Christ, not ourselves. Secondly, it reinforces the exclusive nature of true worship: only the living God, the Creator of all things, is worthy of our adoration. We are to turn from all "vanities" – anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives, be it material possessions, achievements, or even false ideologies – and commit ourselves to Him alone. This verse encourages us to boldly proclaim the Creator God in a world that often worships creation rather than the Creator.