Mercurius
Summary
The Roman name for the Greek god Hermes, messenger of the gods, whom the people of Lystra identified with Paul.
☩The Incident at Lystra
When Paul healed a man lame from birth at Lystra, 'the people... said in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker' (Acts 14:11-12). The priest of Jupiter brought oxen and garlands, intending to offer sacrifice.
☩Greek and Roman Mythology
Mercurius (Greek: Hermes) was the herald and messenger of the gods, guide of souls to the underworld, patron of travelers, merchants, and thieves, and god of eloquence. His Greek name Hermes derives from the word for 'interpreter,' explaining why Paul, the spokesman, was identified with him while the larger Barnabas was called Jupiter (Zeus), king of the gods.
☩Apostolic Response
Paul and Barnabas 'rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein' (Acts 14:14-15). They barely restrained the crowds from sacrificing to them.
☩Local Legend
Ovid recorded a local legend that Jupiter and Mercury had once visited Phrygia (the region including Lystra) disguised as mortals. Only an elderly couple, Philemon and Baucis, offered hospitality, and the gods destroyed those who refused them. This background may explain the Lycaonians' eagerness to honor their divine 'visitors.'
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse