Jupiter
Summary
The Latin name for Zeus, the supreme deity of Greek and Roman mythology, mentioned in Scripture in connection with pagan worship at Lystra and Ephesus.
☩The Deity
Jupiter was the Latin equivalent of the Greek Zeus, the highest god in the developed Greek pantheon. As the national god of the Hellenic race and supreme ruler of the heathen world, Zeus formed the true opposite to Jehovah, the God of Israel. In the syncretism of the period, Zeus was identified with countless local deities throughout Asia Minor and elsewhere. He was worshipped under various epithets: Olympius (from the worship on Mount Olympus), Xenios (protector of strangers), and Capitolinus (in his Roman manifestation).
☩At Lystra
When Paul healed the lame man at Lystra, the Lycaonian people cried out that 'the gods have come down to us in the likeness of men.' They called Barnabas Jupiter and Paul Mercury (Hermes), identifying them with the deities of local legend. An ancient story told of Jupiter and Mercury visiting the region in disguise, where only the aged couple Philemon and Baucis had received them hospitably. The priest of Jupiter, whose temple stood before the city gates, brought oxen and garlands to sacrifice to the apostles, an act they vehemently refused. Barnabas was identified with Jupiter likely because of his more commanding and statuesque appearance, while Paul, as the chief speaker, was associated with Mercury, the god of eloquence.
☩At Ephesus
In Ephesus, the city clerk appealed to the crowd by stating that the image of Diana (Artemis) had 'fallen down from Jupiter.' The Greek phrase actually means 'fallen from the clear sky' or 'from heaven,' reflecting the ancient belief that certain cult images were of divine origin rather than human craftsmanship.
☩Historical Context
Antiochus Epiphanes, the Old Testament antichrist figure, dedicated the temple of Jehovah at Jerusalem to Jupiter Olympius in 167 BC, setting up the 'abomination of desolation' prophesied by Daniel. He erected an idol altar upon the altar of God where swine were offered daily. After the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, Vespasian compelled Jews everywhere to pay to Jupiter Capitolinus the tax they had formerly paid to the Jerusalem Temple.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jupiter," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Jupiter," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Jupiter," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Jupiter," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).