Bible Reference
In reference to the idolatry at Lystra, the book of Acts mentions the Greek god Zeus (Jupiter … Mercurius) in relation to the ministry of Paul and Barnabas:
“And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. [c]Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes” (Acts 14:8–13).
In Lycaonia, there was an old legend that gave a basis for what the people now tried to do for Barnabas and Paul. According to this myth Zeus and Hermes (Jupiter and Mercury) had come in human form and been received by the aged couple Philemon and Baucis, to whom they presented gifts (Metamorphoses viii. 626–724). The legend indicates that the place where the gods were supposed to have dwelt later became a shrine for devout seekers, who made pilgrimages to the place and left offerings there.
The people of Lystra would naturally believe that if any deity were to live among them for a good cause, it would be the god Jupiter, for whom a temple had been built facing their city, and to whom their principle worship was given. Mercury was counted as the primary attendant of Jupiter.
In this passage, Barnabas may have been of more impressive posture than Paul, and thus to him was given the title of Jupiter. And since Paul had done much of the preaching, he was assigned the title of Mercury. This took place during the first missionary journey of Paul.
The worship of Zeus and Hermes seems to have been popular in the region of Lystra. An inscription has been discovered near Lystra saying that certain men, whose names are Lycaonian, had devoted a statue to Zeus. Also, a stone altar has been discovered near Lystra dedicated to the “Hearer of Prayer,” who was perhaps Zeus, and Hermes.
Zeus in Greek Mythology
Zeus, in Greek mythology, is the supreme deity of the pantheon and the ruler of Mount Olympus, the celestial home of the gods. Known as the king of the gods, Zeus played a central role in the ancient Greek religious and cultural landscape. He was considered the god of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, and justice. As the son of Cronus and Rhea, Zeus belonged to the second generation of the Olympian gods, emerging victorious in the Titanomachy, a cosmic struggle between the Olympians and the Titans.
Iconographically, Zeus is often depicted as a regal figure with a flowing beard, seated on a throne or wielding a thunderbolt, which was his signature weapon. The thunderbolt symbolized his control over the forces of nature, particularly storms and lightning. In addition to his role as a celestial deity, Zeus was also associated with human affairs and often intervened in mortal lives.
One of Zeus’s defining characteristics was his numerous love affairs with both goddesses and mortal women, resulting in a vast array of divine and heroic offspring. Notable among them were Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, and Hercules. These divine children played crucial roles in various myths and legends, shaping the Greek literary and cultural tradition.
Zeus’ personality was complex, reflecting both benevolent and wrathful aspects. While he was the upholder of justice and order, capable of rewarding virtue and punishing transgressions, he was also known for his powerful and unpredictable temper. The worship of Zeus was widespread in ancient Greece, with grand temples dedicated to him in major city-states. Festivals, such as the Olympic Games, were held in his honor, reinforcing his cultural significance.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team