Acts 14:12

12 (14-11) And they called Barnabas, Jupiter: but Paul, Mercury: because he was chief speaker.

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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

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

Acts 14:12 In-Context

10 (14-9) Said with a loud voice: Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked.

11 (14-10) And when the multitudes had seen what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice in the Lycaonian tongue, saying: The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

12 (14-11) And they called Barnabas, Jupiter: but Paul, Mercury: because he was chief speaker.

13 (14-12) The priest also of Jupiter that was before the city, bringing oxen and garlands before the gate, would have offered sacrifice with the people.

14 (14-13) Which, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul had heard, rending their clothes, they leaped out among the people, crying,