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835. Gods in Human Form

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible

By: James M. Freeman

Narrator: Chris Genthree

Acts 14:11

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Acts 14:11¹¹And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. (Acts 14:11). The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

It was a common opinion among the ancient heathen that the gods were accustomed to visit men in human form. Frequent reference is made to this opinion by classical writers. There was a tradition among this very people that Jupiter and Mercury had once appeared in Phrygia to an aged couple, Philemon and Baucis. In this visit the two gods were entertained by Lycaon, whence the name of the province, Lycaonia.

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Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 810. Formal Condolence

• 811. Weeping at the Grave

• 812. The Pound

• 813. Need of Feet Washing

• 814. Position at Table

• 815. The "Sop"

• 816. Place for Gardens

• 817. Lanterns

• 818. Female Door Keepers

• 819. Charcoal

• 820. Bearing the Cross

• 821. The Tunic

• 822. Preparation for Burial

• 823. Salutation

• 824. A Sabbath Day's Journey

• 825. Time for Eating

• 826. Time for Burial

• 827. Reading Aloud

• 828. Complimentary Names

• 829. Prayer on the Housetop

• 830. The Military Night Watch

• 831. Prisoners Chained

• 832. Sandals

• 833. Knocker Street Door

• 834. The Law and the Prophets Rulers of the Synagogue

• 835. Gods in Human Form

• 836. Jupiter and Mercury

• 837. Idolatrous Garlands

• 838. Places of Prayer

• 839. Stocks