Act 14:8-12 | RWP | e4.org | At Lystra ( εν Λυστροις ). Neuter plural as in ; while feminine singular in , ; . There was apparently no synagogue in Lystra and so not many Jews. Paul and Barnabas had to do open-air preaching and probably had difficulty in being understood by the natives though both Greek and Latin inscriptions were discovered here by Professor Sterrett in 1885. The incident narrated here (verses ) shows how they got a real hearing among these rude heathen. There sat ( εκαθητο ). Imperfect middle of καθημα . Was sitting. This case is very much like that in , healed by Peter. Possibly outside the gate (verse ) or some public place. Impotent in his feet ( αδυνατος τοις ποσιν ). Old verbal, but only here in the N.T. in this sense except figuratively in . Elsewhere it means "impossible" ( ). Locative case. Common in medical writers in the sense of "impotent." So Tobit 2:10; 5:9. Had walked ( περιεπατησεν ). So best MSS., first aorist active indicative "walked," not περιεπεπατηκε , "had walked" (past perfect active).

‏ Acts 14:8-12

At Lystra ( εν Λυστροις ). Neuter plural as in 16:2; 2Ti 3:11 while feminine singular in 14:6, 21; 16:1. There was apparently no synagogue in Lystra and so not many Jews. Paul and Barnabas had to do open-air preaching and probably had difficulty in being understood by the natives though both Greek and Latin inscriptions were discovered here by Professor Sterrett in 1885. The incident narrated here (verses 8-18) shows how they got a real hearing among these rude heathen.

There sat ( εκαθητο ). Imperfect middle of καθημα. Was sitting. This case is very much like that in 3:1-11, healed by Peter. Possibly outside the gate (verse 13) or some public place.

Impotent in his feet ( αδυνατος τοις ποσιν ). Old verbal, but only here in the N.T. in this sense except figuratively in Ro 15:1. Elsewhere it means "impossible" (Mt 19:26). Locative case. Common in medical writers in the sense of "impotent." So Tobit 2:10; 5:9.

Had walked ( περιεπατησεν ). So best MSS., first aorist active indicative "walked," not περιεπεπατηκε, "had walked" (past perfect active).

The same ( ουτος ). Just "this one."

Heard ( ηκουεν ). Imperfect active, was listening to Paul speaking ( λαλουντος ). Either at the gate or in the market place (17:17) Paul was preaching to such as would listen or could understand his Greek (Koine). Ramsay (St. Paul the Traveller, pp. 114, 116) thinks that the cripple was a proselyte. At any rate he may have heard of the miracles wrought at Iconium (verse 3) and Paul may have spoken of the work of healing wrought by Jesus. This man was "no mendicant pretender," for his history was known from his birth.

Fastening his eyes upon him ( ατενισας αυτω ). Just as in 13:9 of Paul and 1:10 which see. Paul saw a new hope in the man's eyes and face.

He had faith ( εχε πιστιν ). Present active indicative retained in indirect discourse.

To be made whole ( του σωθηνα ). Genitive of articular first aorist passive infinitive (purpose and result combined) of σωζω, to make sound and also to save. Here clearly to make whole or well as in Lu 7:50 (cf. Ac 3:16; 4:10).

Upright ( ορθος ). Predicate adjective. In this sense Galen and Hippocrates frequently use ορθος (erect, straight). Paul spoke in a loud ( μεγαλη ) voice so that all could hear and know.

He leaped up and walked ( ηλατο κα περιεπατε ). Rather, He leaped up with a single bound and began to walk. The second aorist middle indicative (with first aorist vowel α ) of αλλομα (late verb, in papyri) and inchoative imperfect active of περιπατεω, common verb to walk around. This graphic picture is concealed by the usual English rendering. It is possible that Luke obtained the vivid report of this incident from Timothy who may have witnessed it and who was probably converted during Paul's stay here (16:3). His father was a prominent Greek and his mother Eunice, possibly a widow, may have lived here with her mother Lois (2Ti 1:5).

Lifted up their voice ( επηραν την φωνην αυτων ). First aorist active of επαιρω. In their excitement they elevated their voices.

In the speech of Lycaonia ( Λυκαονιστ ). Adverb from verb λυκαονιζω, to use the language of Lycaonia found here alone, but formed regularly like Εβραιστ (Joh 5:2), Hελληνιστ (Ac 21:37), Ρωμαιστ (Joh 19:20). Paul was speaking in Greek, of course, but the excitement of the crowd over the miracle made them cry out in their native tongue which Paul and Barnabas did not understand. Hence it was not till preparations for offering sacrifice to them had begun that Paul understood the new role in which he and Barnabas were held.

In the likeness of men ( ομοιωθεντες ανθρωποις ). First aorist passive participle of ομοιω, to liken, with the associative instrumental case. In this primitive state the people hold to the old Graeco-Roman mythology. The story of Baucis and Philemon tells how Jupiter (Zeus) and Mercury (Hermes) visited in human form the neighbouring region of Phrygia (Ovid, Meta. VIII. 626). Jupiter (Zeus) had a temple in Lystra.

They called ( εκαλουν ). Inchoative imperfect began to call.

Barnabas, Jupiter ( τον Βαρναβαν Δια ). Because Barnabas was the older and the more imposing in appearance. Paul admits that he was not impressive in looks (2Co 10:10).

And Paul, Mercury ( τον δε Παυλον Hερμην ). Mercury ( Hερμης ) was the messenger of the gods, and the spokesman of Zeus. Hερμης was of beautiful appearance and eloquent in speech, the inventor of speech in legend. Our word hermeneutics or science of interpretation comes from this word (Heb 7:2; Joh 1:38).

Because he was the chief speaker ( επειδη αυτος ην ο ηγουμενος του λογου ). Paul was clearly "the leader of the talk." So it seemed a clear case to the natives. If preachers always knew what people really think of them! Whether Paul was alluding to his experience in Lystra or not in Ga 4:14, certainly they did receive him as an angel of God, as if "Mercury" in reality.