Episode Summary:
In this second episode of the Jesus and Jet Lag bonus series, hosts Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman continue their journey through the mission themes of Acts. Focusing on Acts 14:8-20, they explore Paul and Barnabas’s dramatic encounter in Lystra. The conversation covers the “Natural Knowledge of God,” the cultural miscommunications that can happen in mission work, and the comfort that God “works through our mess” when we share the Gospel.
Key Topics & Takeaways:
Continuity of the Mission: The hosts highlight the striking parallels between Peter’s healing of the lame man in Acts 3 and Paul’s healing in Acts 14. This literary technique by Luke emphasizes that Paul is not a “rogue agent” but is continuing the same work of Christ.
Lystra Excavated: Mike shares insights from the recent archaeological excavations of Lystra, a diverse city of retired soldiers mixing Latin, Greek, and Lycaonian cultures.
The “Gods” Misunderstanding: Why did the crowd think Paul was Hermes and Barnabas was Zeus? Matt explains the local myth recorded by Ovid, where the gods destroyed the region for its lack of hospitality, leading the Lystrans to overcompensate to avoid the same fate.
Communication is Hard: The incident illustrates how easily the Gospel can be misunderstood across language and cultural barriers. However, it serves as a comforting reminder to missionaries that we don’t have to be perfect; God works even through our miscommunications.
Natural Knowledge of God: The hosts define this as what can be known about God through nature and conscience (his power, wisdom, and holiness). While it is a useful bridge for evangelism, it has limits. It cannot reveal God’s love or the specific message of Jesus’ resurrection.
Historical & Biblical Figures Mentioned:
Sir William Ramsay: The archaeologist who identified the site of Lystra and confirmed Luke’s historical accuracy.
Ovid: The Roman poet who recorded the local myth that influenced the crowd’s reaction to Paul and Barnabas.
Nick Bostrom: Philosopher discussed in relation to the modern “Simulation Theory,” which parallels the ancient natural knowledge of a higher power.
Martin Luther: Quoted from the Large Catechism regarding the limits of natural knowledge—knowing that God exists, but not knowing his attitude toward us.
Links
321: The Story of God, the World, and You by Glen Scrivener, mentioned for his apologetic approach of bridging natural knowledge quickly to the story of Jesus.
Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag
WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)
WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)
BWM = WELS Board for World Missions
CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system
Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) - A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.
Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.
