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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 14:12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/14-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/44_Act_14_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 14:12 - The Visit to Lystra and Derbe" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and Paul, Hermes, because he was the leading speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they <i>began</i> calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, since he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they <i>began</i> calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they <i>began</i> calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They began calling Barnabas, Zeus [chief of the Greek gods], and Paul, Hermes [messenger of the Greek gods], since he took the lead in speaking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they started to call Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the main speaker. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The people then gave Barnabas the name Zeus, and they gave Paul the name Hermes, because he did the talking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They addressed Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes because Paul did most of the talking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They gave Barnabas the name Zeus, and Paul the name Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They began to call Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes, because he was the main speaker. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They began to call Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They called Barnabas "Jupiter," and Paul "Mercury," because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />They called Barnabas 'Zeus,' and Paul, as being the principal speaker, 'Hermes.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They called Barnabas “Jupiter”, and Paul “Mercury”, because he was the chief speaker. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />they were also calling Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes, since he was the leader in speaking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And Barnabas, they began calling Zeus; and Paul, Hermes, because he was the leading speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> they were calling also Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes, since he was the leader in speaking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And truly they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, since he was leader of the word.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they called Barnabas, Jupiter: but Paul, Mercury; because he was chief speaker. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 14:11>And they called Barnabas, ‘Jupiter,’ yet truly they called Paul, ‘Mercury,’ because he was the lead speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,” because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So they called Bar’na-bas, the chief of the gods; and Paul, they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And they were naming BarNaba, The Lord of the gods, and Paulus, Hermes, because he had been introducing the message.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercury, for he was the chief speaker.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />and they were calling Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, since he was the leader of the speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he principally led the discourse.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Barnabas, they stiled Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />They called Barnabas 'Zeus,' and Paul, as being the principal speaker, 'Hermes.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And they were calling Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, since he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And they called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercury; because he was the chief speaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/14-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=4666" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/14.htm">The Visit to Lystra and Derbe</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: “The gods have come down to us in human form!” <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also."></a> <a href="/greek/921.htm" title="921: Barnaban (N-AMS) -- Of Chaldee origin; son of Nabas; Barnabas, an Israelite.">Barnabas</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: ekaloun (V-IIA-3P) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">they called</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2203.htm" title="2203: Dia (N-AMS) -- Zeus, the Greek god of the sky in all its manifestations, corresponding to the Roman Jupiter and to the leading god of the native Lycaonians. ">Zeus,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulon (N-AMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul</a> <a href="/greek/2060.htm" title="2060: Hermēn (N-AMS) -- Perhaps from ereo; Hermes, the name of the messenger of the Greek deities; also of a Christian.">they called Hermes,</a> <a href="/greek/1894.htm" title="1894: epeidē (Conj) -- Of time: when, now, after that; of cause: seeing that, forasmuch as. From epei and de; since now, i.e. when, or whereas.">because</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autos (PPro-NM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">he</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2233.htm" title="2233: hēgoumenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- (a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider. ">chief</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">speaker.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Acts 17:18</a></span><br />Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-5.htm">1 Corinthians 8:5-6</a></span><br />For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a></span><br />No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">2 Corinthians 11:4</a></span><br />For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it very easily.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8</a></span><br />Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22-23</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:9</a></span><br />For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-20.htm">Revelation 9:20</a></span><br />Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/32-4.htm">Exodus 32:4</a></span><br />He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-17.htm">Deuteronomy 32:17</a></span><br />They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a></span><br />Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-17.htm">Isaiah 44:17</a></span><br />From the rest he makes a god, his graven image. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-20.htm">Isaiah 45:20</a></span><br />Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3-5</a></span><br />For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.</p><p class="hdg">Jupiter.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/19-35.htm">Acts 19:35</a></b></br> And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, <i>Ye</i> men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the <i>image</i> which fell down from Jupiter?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/14-3.htm">Barnabas</a> <a href="/acts/13-50.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/romans/16-14.htm">Hermes</a> <a href="/acts/19-35.htm">Jupiter</a> <a href="/acts/13-11.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/acts/14-11.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/luke/19-47.htm">Principal</a> <a href="/amos/5-10.htm">Speaker</a> <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/job/11-2.htm">Talker</a> <a href="/acts/19-35.htm">Zeus</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/14-14.htm">Barnabas</a> <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/romans/16-14.htm">Hermes</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Jupiter</a> <a href="/acts/23-17.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/acts/14-14.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/16-12.htm">Principal</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Speaker</a> <a href="/acts/15-13.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Talker</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Zeus</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/14-1.htm">Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/14-8.htm">At Lystra Paul heals a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/14-19.htm">Paul is stoned.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/14-21.htm">They pass through various churches, confirming the disciples in faith and patience.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/14-26.htm">Returning to Antioch, they report what God had done with them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Barnabas they called Zeus</b><br>In the ancient city of Lystra, the local population was steeped in Greek mythology and polytheism. Zeus was the chief deity in the Greek pantheon, often associated with power and authority. The people of Lystra, witnessing the miraculous healing performed by Paul and Barnabas, interpreted these acts through their cultural lens, attributing divine status to Barnabas. This reflects the common practice of deifying individuals who exhibited extraordinary abilities or characteristics. The choice of Barnabas as Zeus may suggest that he had a commanding presence or demeanor that resonated with their understanding of Zeus.<p><b>and Paul they called Hermes</b><br>Hermes, in Greek mythology, was the messenger of the gods, known for his eloquence and communication skills. Paul, being the primary speaker and preacher, naturally fit this role in the eyes of the Lystrans. This identification highlights Paul's role as the spokesperson for the Gospel, emphasizing his ability to articulate and convey the message of Christ effectively. The cultural context here shows how the Lystrans tried to make sense of the apostles' message by aligning it with their own religious framework.<p><b>because he was the chief speaker</b><br>Paul's role as the chief speaker underscores his leadership in the missionary journey and his gift of preaching. This aligns with other scriptural accounts where Paul is depicted as a powerful orator and teacher (e.g., <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Acts 17:22-31</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/2.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1-5</a>). His ability to communicate the Gospel was instrumental in the spread of Christianity. The distinction between Barnabas and Paul in this passage also reflects the early church's recognition of diverse gifts and roles within the body of Christ, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-11</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/barnabas.htm">Barnabas</a></b><br>A prominent leader in the early Christian church, known for his encouragement and support of Paul. In this passage, he is mistakenly identified as Zeus by the people of Lystra.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>An apostle and missionary, known for his extensive travels and teachings about Jesus Christ. In Lystra, he is called Hermes because he was the primary speaker.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/z/zeus.htm">Zeus</a></b><br>In Greek mythology, Zeus is the king of the gods. The people of Lystra, influenced by their cultural beliefs, mistakenly identify Barnabas as Zeus.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/hermes.htm">Hermes</a></b><br>In Greek mythology, Hermes is the messenger of the gods, known for his eloquence. The people of Lystra associate Paul with Hermes due to his role as the chief speaker.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/lystra.htm">Lystra</a></b><br>A city in the region of Lycaonia, where Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel. The cultural context of Lystra, steeped in Greek mythology, led to the misidentification of Paul and Barnabas as gods.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_misunderstandings.htm">Cultural Misunderstandings</a></b><br>Recognize how cultural backgrounds can lead to misunderstandings of the gospel message. Be prepared to clarify and correct misconceptions with grace and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_communication.htm">Role of Communication</a></b><br>Effective communication is crucial in sharing the gospel. Like Paul, we should strive to be clear and articulate in our message, ensuring it is understood in the context of the listener's culture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_idolatry.htm">Avoiding Idolatry</a></b><br>Be vigilant against the subtle forms of idolatry in our own lives, ensuring that we give glory to God alone and not to human leaders or cultural icons.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/boldness_in_witnessing.htm">Boldness in Witnessing</a></b><br>Despite misunderstandings or opposition, continue to boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel, trusting in God’s power to open hearts and minds.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_ministry.htm">Unity in Ministry</a></b><br>Like Paul and Barnabas, work together in unity with fellow believers, supporting and encouraging one another in the mission to spread the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_greek_gods_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">Are Greek gods mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_zeus_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">Is Zeus mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_should_my_people_leave_her.htm">Is Zeus mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_paul's_1st_mission.htm">What were the key events in Paul's First Missionary Journey?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius.</span>--St. Luke gives, as was natural, the Greek forms--Zeus and Hermes. The main reason for the assignment of the two names was that the listeners recognised in St. Paul the gift of eloquence, which was the special attribute of Hermes. Possibly, also, unlike as were the weak bodily presence and the many infirmities of the Apostle to the sculptured grace with which we are familiar as belonging to the sandalled messenger of the gods--young, and beautiful, and agile--there may have been something in the taller stature and more stately presence of Barnabas which impressed them with the sense of a dignity like that of Jupiter. In any case, we must remember that the master-pieces of Greek art were not likely to have found their way to a Lycaonian village, and that the Hermes of Lystra may have borne the same relation to that of Athens and Corinth as the grotesque Madonna of some Italian wayside shrine does to the masterpieces of Raphael. Real idolatry cares little about the aesthetic beauty of the objects of its worship; and the Lycaonians were genuine idolaters.<p><span class= "bld">The chief speaker.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">the ruler of speech</span>--taking the chief part in it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> <span class="accented">- Mercury</span> for <span class="accented">Mercurius</span>, A.V. For the Latin Jupiter and Mercury the Greek original has Zeus and Hermes. <span class="cmt_word">Jupiter</span> is Jovis Pater, where Jovis or Diovis or Dies (in Diespiter) is the Latin form of Zeus, gen. <span class="greek">Δίος</span>. Mercury is Hermes in his special character as the god of markets and trade. But the Lycaonians here thought of him in his principal character of herald and messenger of the gods, and hence the god of eloquence and speech. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/14-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Barnabas</span><br /><span class="grk">Βαρνάβαν</span> <span class="translit">(Barnaban)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_921.htm">Strong's 921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Chaldee origin; son of Nabas; Barnabas, an Israelite.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they called</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκάλουν</span> <span class="translit">(ekaloun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Zeus,</span><br /><span class="grk">Δία</span> <span class="translit">(Dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2203.htm">Strong's 2203: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zeus, the Greek god of the sky in all its manifestations, corresponding to the Roman Jupiter and to the leading god of the native Lycaonians. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Paul</span><br /><span class="grk">Παῦλον</span> <span class="translit">(Paulon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> </span><span class="str2">Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[they called] Hermes,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἑρμῆν</span> <span class="translit">(Hermēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2060.htm">Strong's 2060: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps from ereo; Hermes, the name of the messenger of the Greek deities; also of a Christian.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπειδὴ</span> <span class="translit">(epeidē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1894.htm">Strong's 1894: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of time: when, now, after that; of cause: seeing that, forasmuch as. From epei and de; since now, i.e. when, or whereas.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτὸς</span> <span class="translit">(autos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">chief</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡγούμενος</span> <span class="translit">(hēgoumenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">speaker.</span><br /><span class="grk">λόγου</span> <span class="translit">(logou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> </span><span class="str2">From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/14-12.htm">Acts 14:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/14-12.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 14:12 They called Barnabas Jupiter and Paul Mercury (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/14-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 14:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 14:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/14-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 14:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 14:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>