Acts 14:13

The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The narrator records the Lycaonian crowd's reaction immediately after Barnabas and Paul are called Zeus and Hermes. The priest of Zeus brings bulls and wreaths to the city gates as the crowds prepare to join him in sacrifice.

The words — ἱερεὺς (hiereus) means "priest," and πρὸ (pro) denotes "just outside," specifying that the temple stood beyond the city walls. These terms ground the scene in the local pagan cult and its physical boundaries.

The thread — The text places this attempted sacrifice alongside Daniel 2:46 and Acts 10:25, where figures receive worship or offerings meant for God alone. The pattern shows Scripture consistently recording and rejecting the misdirection of cultic devotion toward human intermediaries.

Why it lands — The passage requires immediate interruption of idolatrous practice when religious fervor targets created beings. It asks readers to identify and halt any veneration of people, places, or experiences that displaces exclusive worship of God.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Cross-references

Daniel 2:46 At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him.
Acts 10:25 As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him.