Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. – Acts 14:12

Today's Scripture Reading (January 29, 2021): Acts 14

In 8 C.E., Ovid wrote his epic tale "Metamorphoses" in fifteen volumes. In the eighth book, the poet tells the tale of Baucis and Philemon. The story is that Jove (or Zeus) and Hermes stepped down from the heavens to earth, but they came in disguise. Hermes was the messenger of all of the gods, but he had a special relationship with Zeus. The two gods left the comforts of home and their power, one laying aside his thunder (Zeus) and the other his rod (Hermes), and they walked together on the earth. On their journey, they knocked on a thousand doors, but all of them were locked. No one answered their hail. Until they came to the house of Baucis and Philemon. Ovid calls their house a "homely shed," where the roof was not far from the ground. But even in this setting, Baucis and Philemon, who had been married for a long time, live happily.

The door to Baucis and Philemon's home was opened, and the old couple invited the travelers in to rest their limbs. They shared their sparse furnishings and all that they had with Zeus and Hermes. There wasn't much, but what Baucis and Philemon had, they offered to their guests. Even to the last of their drink and food. The cup of wine made its trip around the table, and even though it had been emptied, it appeared to be full.

Baucis and Philemon realized that something extraordinary was happening, and they raised their hands in surrender, recognizing that their guests were not just weary human travelers. They apologize to the gods for their country fare, and Zeus and Hermes tell them that they are the only ones in the area who were willing to welcome them. As a result, the gods want to reward them. Baucis and Philemon only ask for two things. The first was that they would be allowed to serve in the Temple of Zeus. And their second request was that they die together, so neither had to gaze on the others' grave.

As for the thousand houses, they were destroyed.

It is a cautionary tale on the importance of hospitality, and one that was likely ringing in the ears of the people of Lystra as they encounter Paul and Barnabas. As Paul and Barnabas enter the city and meet the man that had been lame from birth, healing him, the town is sure that Zeus and Hermes had made a return visit to the area. And this time, they were not going to be like the thousand homes who had rejected the pair of gods the first time. Because Paul was the speaker, the messenger, they were sure that he must be Hermes in disguise. Zeus, the King of the gods, stood back and allowed his friend to carry the discussion with the people of the town. But the city made sure that the pair were fully welcomed.

The story of Zeus and Hermes's visit with Baucis and Philemon is reflected throughout the Bible. Angels came in human form and visited with Abraham and Sarah, and then later destroyed Sodom, Gomorrah, and the cities of the plain. Their sin had nothing to do with homosexuality. The testimony of the Bible is clear that Sodom's failure was a lack of hospitality.

And the tale is reflected in the words of the author of Hebrews. "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:1-2). Go and be a people who show hospitality.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Acts 15