Paul tried to show God’s witness in everyday blessings to the people of Lystra. God had healed a cripple, and the Gentiles there assumed their gods, Zeus and Hermes, had come to visit. Paul tried to explain that they were only human beings bringing the Good News about the living God. To do this, Paul began speaking about God as the creator.
Acts 14: 16 In the past he (God) permitted all the nations to go their own ways, 17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.”[1]
General Revelation
As Paul preached a God of creation, he was using what we call general revelation. “ God’s existence and power can be clearly seen through observing the universe. The order, intricacy, and wonder of creation speak to the existence of a powerful and glorious Creator.”[2]
Paul used this same reasoning in a later letter. Romans 1: 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.[3]
In Pisidian Antioch, Paul had used Jewish history in his sermon at the synagogue (Acts 13:26-41). But this would mean nothing to the Gentile people in Lystra. So, in haste and under pressure, Paul had to adapt his message.
God’s Patient Grace
Paul began his sermon by noting that God had permitted the nations to go their own way. God had a plan to set the world right after the fall into sin. From the beginning, God wanted to partner with humans to bring about His plan. God’s patience is not indifference. God gave space for repentance while continuing to reveal Himself through creation.
It had taken time to do this, but now that Jesus had come, it was time for the world to be renewed. Unfortunately, Paul didn’t get a chance to bring Jesus into the picture before the persecution and stoning began.
Our Everyday Blessings
We often overlook the quiet ways God reveals Himself daily. Everything in creation is an invitation to recognize our Creator and His patient grace. David wrote a Psalm that invites us to meditate on God’s witness in everyday blessings.
Psalm 19: 1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day, they continue to speak; night after night, they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. [4]
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/strength-in-the-midst-of-suffering
[1,2,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] https://www.gotquestions.org/general-special-revelation.html, accessed May 6, 2026