We can be criticised for something we didn’t do and it is not that nice to experience that injustice. We can also be praised for something that we know we didn’t do and
it could be that we are tempted to accept the praise even though we don’t deserve it. Paul and Barnabas were not only praised for the miracle that happened but they were treated as gods. However, they objected and they gave all the glory to God.
Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Acts 14:8-15, ESV.
What Paul went through is a good lesson for us. Paul honoured the living God and as a result God honoured Paul with life even after he was brutally stoned by the Jews just out of Lystra. Dr. D. Lance Waldie says, “Once Paul was believed to be dead and his executioners gone, the disciples, probably his converts to Christ from Lystra, “gathered around” Paul’s seemingly dead corpse, no doubt lamenting what they had just witnessed. Then God raised Paul up right in front of their eyes! (v. 20), and he went into the city, spent the night, and departed the next day. Clearly Paul was not dissuaded in his efforts to proclaim Christ even though he was beaten, bruised, and cut (cf. 2 Cor. 6:4-10). After all, God had promised him at his conversion that he would suffer greatly for Christ (Acts 9:16).” Always be thankful to God in every circumstance.