If both Paul and Barnabas, during their life-times, were erroneously misunderstood and viewed by misguided polytheists as gods coming to earth as men, imagine how Jesus would have been perceived by polytheists when performing his miracles during his life-time?
“When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.” 12 And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.” Acts 14:11-13
I think it’s highly plausible that people with a polytheistic cultural mindsets, practices and beliefs witnessing Jesus’ ministry during his life-time or heard about him would have viewed him as a divine god and spread the misconstrued news about Jesus (the Messiah and Prophet) as a god on earth performing mighty works who ascended to heaven.
If both Paul and Barnabas, during their life-times, were erroneously misunderstood and viewed by misguided polytheists as gods coming to earth as men, imagine how Jesus would have been perceived by polytheists when performing his miracles during his life-time?
“When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.” 12 And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.” Acts 14:11-13
I think it’s highly plausible that people with a polytheistic cultural mindsets, practices and beliefs witnessing Jesus’ ministry during his life-time or heard about him would have viewed him as a divine god and spread the misconstrued news about Jesus (the Messiah and Prophet) as a god on earth performing mighty works who ascended to heaven.
The My Lord, My God as an honorific to the Roman Emperor…..amazing find!