Acts 14:12

12 And they called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercury, for he was leader of the word.

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 and said with a great voice [said with great voice], Rise thou upright on thy feet. And he leaped, and walked.

11 And the people, when they had seen that that Paul did, reared their voice in Lycaonian tongue, and said [saying], Gods made like to men be come down to us.

12 And they called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercury, for he was leader of the word.

13 And the priest of Jupiter that was before the city, brought bulls and crowns before the gates, with peoples, and would have made sacrifice.

14 And when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this [Which thing, when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard], they rent their coats; and they skipped out among the people, and cried [crying],