Who were Jupiter and Mercury in the Bible?

In the Bible, Jupiter and Mercury (or Zeus and Hermes in Greek) are not gods but names given to the apostles Paul and Barnabas by the people of Lystra, who mistook them for deities after a miraculous healing (Acts 14:12). This event highlights the clash between the Gospel and pagan Roman/Greek religion.

Where is the story of Jupiter and Mercury in the Bible?

The account is found in Acts 14:8-18. After Paul heals a lame man, the crowd declares Barnabas to be Jupiter (Zeus, the chief god) and Paul to be Mercury (Hermes, the messenger god), and the local priest prepares to offer sacrifices to them.

Why is the story of Jupiter and Mercury significant?

It demonstrates the radical difference between the worship of man-made idols and the proclamation of the 'living God' (Acts 14:15). Paul uses the moment to preach repentance and turn the people from 'vain things' to the Creator who provides all good things.

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EncyclopediaJupiter and Mercury

TheologyJ

Jupiter and Mercury

Jupiter and Mercury See ASTROLOGY, sec. III, 1; MERCURY; JUPITER.

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