Acts 14:12

12 And they gave the name of Jupiter to Barnabas, and to Paul that of Mercury, because he was the chief talker.

Acts 14:12 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 14:12

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.

Acts 14:12 In-Context

10 Said in a loud voice, Get up on your feet. And, jumping up, he went walking about.

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they said in a loud voice, in the language of Lycaonia, The gods have come down to us in the form of men.

12 And they gave the name of Jupiter to Barnabas, and to Paul that of Mercury, because he was the chief talker.

13 And the priest of the image of Jupiter, which was before the town, took oxen and flowers to the doors of the town, and was about to make an offering with the people.

14 But when this came to the ears of the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas, they went running out among the people, parting their clothing, and crying out,