Acts 14:12

12 And they called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercury, because he took the lead in speaking.

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 with a loud voice, Rise up straight upon thy feet: and he sprang up and walked.

11 But the crowds, who saw what Paul had done, lifted up their voices in Lycaonian, saying, The gods, having made themselves like men, are come down to us.

12 And they called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercury, because he took the lead in speaking.

13 And the priest of Jupiter who was before the city, having brought bulls and garlands to the gates, would have done sacrifice along with the crowds.

14 But the apostles Barnabas and Paul, having heard [it], rent their garments, and rushed out to the crowd, crying