The Lystrians, eager to show their gratitude, prevailed upon the priest of Jupiter to do the apostles honor, and he "brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people." Paul and Barnabas, who had sought retirement and rest, were not aware of 182 these preparations. Soon, however, their attention was attracted by the sound of music and the enthusiastic shouting of a large crowd who had come to the house where they were staying.

Lystras beboere, som var ivrige efter at vise deres taknemmelighed, fik præsten ved Zeus-templet til at vise apostlene ære; og han "kom hen til byporten med tyre og kranse og ville ofre sammen med skarerne." Paulus og Barnabas, som havde trukket sig tilbage for at hvile, vidste intet om disse forberedelser. Men snart blev imidlertid deres opmærksomhed vakt ved lyden af musik og de begejstrede råb fra en stor folkeskare, som var kommet hen til det hus, hvor de boede.