John Gill Commentary Acts 14:12

"And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker." — Acts 14:12 (ASV)

And they called Barnabas Jupiter
The supreme God; it may be because that Barnabas was the oldest man, of the tallest stature, and largest bulk, and made the best figure; whereas Paul was younger, of a low stature, and mean appearance:

and Paul Mercurius ,
because he was the chief speaker; Mercury was the god of eloquence, and the messenger of the gods, and the interpreter of their will ^F18 ; Paul being chiefly concerned in preaching and speaking to the people, they called him by the name of this God: the Jews had a doctor in their schools, whom they called (Myrbdmh vad) , "the chief of the speakers" ^F19 .

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FOOTNOTES:

• F18: Vid Macrob. Saturnal. l. 1. c. 17, 19.
• F19: Juchasin, fol. 45. 2. & 46. 1.