Paul’s Stoning

Paul and Barnabas were preaching in Lystra when the crowds attempted to make sacrifices to them, believing they were the Greek gods Hermes and Zeus.  When Paul explained they were only human, Jews from Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch “stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead” (Acts 14:19).  

Paul, who had been involved in the stoning of Stephen, was now forced to suffer in the same way.  There are many who believe Paul was killed and raised to life again because stoning was generally a reliable form of execution.  It has been suggested that Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 12, which speaks of the suffering he experienced, was descriptive of a heavenly vision he saw during this attack. 

Whether this is true or whether he simply passed out will never truly be known until we reach Heaven as it seems Paul himself did not know.  He writes in this passage, “Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know – God knows”.

For fun though I’d love to hear which account you think most likely happened.

Comment below!