Acts 14:12
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκάλουν
they called
G2564
ἐκάλουν
they called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
1 of 17
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
Βαρναβᾶν
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶν
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
5 of 17
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
Δία
Jupiter
G2203
Δία
Jupiter
Strong's:
G2203
Word #:
6 of 17
in the oblique cases there is used instead of it a (probably cognate) name ??? <pronunciation strongs="deece"/>, which is otherwise obsolete; zeus or
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλον
Paul
G3972
Παῦλον
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
9 of 17
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
Ἑρμῆν
Mercurius
G2060
Ἑρμῆν
Mercurius
Strong's:
G2060
Word #:
10 of 17
hermes, the name of the messenger of the greek deities; also of a christian
ἐπειδὴ
because
G1894
ἐπειδὴ
because
Strong's:
G1894
Word #:
11 of 17
since now, i.e., (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas
αὐτὸς
he
G846
αὐτὸς
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγούμενος
the chief
G2233
ἡγούμενος
the chief
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
15 of 17
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
Historical Context
Roman names Jupiter and Mercury translate Greek Zeus and Hermes. Archaeological discoveries near Lystra confirm local Zeus and Hermes worship. Inscriptions found in 1910 dedicated to 'Zeus and Hermes' verify Luke's historical accuracy about religious practices in this region.
Questions for Reflection
- How do people today assign Christian ministers roles that obscure the gospel's true message?
- What does Paul's identity as 'chief speaker' teach about the primacy of word ministry in apostolic mission?
Analysis & Commentary
They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius—The assignment reveals ancient rhetorical expectations. Zeus (Jupiter) was king of gods, typically silent and majestic. Hermes (Mercury/Mercurius) was the messenger god and patron of eloquence. The Greek ho hēgoumenos tou logou (the chief speaker) explains Paul's identification with Hermes: his speaking role matched the herald deity.
Barnabas's apparently commanding physical presence (suggested by Zeus identification) contrasts with Paul's described weakness (2 Corinthians 10:10). This pagan theological framework completely inverted gospel truth—rather than recognizing the one true God, they multiplied deities.