Acts 14:16

"“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of the same nature as you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;"

Key Reflection

This passage challenges the people's actions and beliefs, emphasizing that Paul and Barnabas are like them in nature but bring a message of truth—turning away from empty idols to worship the one true God who created all things. It underscores the relatability of the apostles while asserting the necessity of their divine message.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 16. Who in times past. Previous to the gospel; in past ages. Suffered all nations. Permitted all nations; that is, all Gentiles. Ac 17:30, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at." To walk in their own ways. To conduct themselves without the restraints and instructions of a written law. They were permitted to follow their own reason and passions, and their own system of religion. He gave them no written laws, and sent to them no messengers. Why he did this, we cannot determine. It might have been, among other reasons, to show to the world conclusively, (1.) the insufficiency of reason to guide men in the matters of religion.

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