|
In the course of their missionary journeys the apostles Paul and Barnabas arrived at Lystra in Asia Minor. The pagan inhabitants, witnessing the miraculous cure of a cripple by Paul and Barnabas, believed that they were Mercury and Jupiter come to earth in human form. When the priest of the temple of Jupiter brought oxen and garlands to make a sacrifice the apostles rent their clothes in dismay. By their exhortations they prevented the sacrifice taking place.
Jacob Pynas treated this subject twice. The present painting is perhaps the earlier version, although there are no evidences to support this assumption.
| 
