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They called Barnabas "Jupiter," and Paul "Mercury," because he was the chief speaker.
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1
A Divine Misunderstanding
Commentators explain that the people of Lystra identified the apostles with their local gods based on their roles. Paul, as the 'chief speaker,' was called Mercury (the Greek Hermes), the messenger and god of eloquence. Barnabas, likely due to a more stately and imposing physical presence, was called Jupiter (the Greek Zeus), the king of the gods.
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6
18th Century
Presbyterian
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter. Jupiter was represented as the most powerful of all the gods of the ancients. He was represented as the…
They called (εκαλουν). Inchoative imperfect began to call.
Barnabas, Jupiter (τον Βαρναβαν Δια). Because B…
19th Century
Anglican
They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius.—St. Luke gives, as was natural, the Greek forms—Zeus and Hermes. The …
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The healing amazed and excited the crowd, and they shouted out in Lycaonian: “The gods have come down to us in human form!” (cf. 28:6). Barnabas th…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And they called Barnabas Jupiter The supreme God; it may be because that Barnabas was the oldest man, of the tallest…
All things are possible to those who believe. When we have faith, that most precious gift of God, we shall be delivered from the spiritual helpless…
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