Acts 14:15
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:
Acts 14:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the apostle Paul and Barnabas are addressing a crowd in Lystra who have mistaken them for gods. They immediately correct this misunderstanding by humbly stating that they are mere men, just like the people in the crowd, and that they are there to preach the message of turning away from empty idols and vanities towards the true living God who created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. By emphasizing their own humanity and mortality, they are pointing to the greatness and power of the one true God who deserves all worship and praise. This verse serves as a reminder that even the most powerful and influential people are still just human beings in need of salvation and grace from a higher power. It urges believers to put their trust in the Almighty Creator rather than in worldly possessions or false idols. This message continues to be relevant today, as it calls for a redirection towards faith in God and a turning away from anything that distracts from His glory.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, the apostle Paul and Barnabas are addressing a crowd in Lystra, where they had just healed a man who had been crippled from birth. In their discourse, they emphasize their shared humanity with the people, emphasizing that they are not divine or supernatural beings, but rather men with the same emotions and struggles as everyone else. This serves as a reminder of the humility and approachability of the messengers of God, as well as a call for the people to turn away from the worship of false gods and idols that are ultimately empty and devoid of life. The phrase "vanities" here refers to the false gods and beliefs that the people of Lystra had been following prior to encountering Paul and Barnabas. The exhortation to turn "unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein" highlights the contrast between the powerless idols crafted by human hands and the living God who is the creator of all things, emphasizing the call to true worship and a life devoted to the one true God.
Acts 14:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
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:
World English Bible
“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them;
Douay-Rheims
Who in times past, suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And saying, O men, why doe yee these things? We are euen men subiect to the like passions that yee be, and preache vnto you, that yee shoulde turne from these vaine things vnto the liuing God, which made heauen and earth, and the sea, and all things that in them are: