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Acts 14:12

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 14:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.
Acts 14:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9The same heard Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,
10said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked.
11And when the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.
13And the priest of Jupiter whose [temple] was before the city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the multitudes.
14But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out
15and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:
← Acts 14:11Acts 14:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they called Barnabas Jupiter, etc.] 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 f714; 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 µyrbdmh çad, “the chief of the speakers” f715.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“they called Barnabas, Jupiter--the father of the gods, from his commanding mien (CHRYSOSTOM thinks). and Paul, Mercurius--the god of eloquence and the messenger and attendant of Jupiter, in the heathen mythology.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And they called Barnabas, Jupiter - Jupiter was the most powerful of all the gods of the ancients. He was represented as the son of Saturn and Ops, and was educated in a cave on Mount Ida, in the island of Crete. The worship of Jupiter was almost universal. He was the Aremon of Africa, the Belus of Babylon, the Osiris of Egypt. His common appellation was, The Father of gods and men. He was usually represented as sitting upon a golden or an ivory throne, holding in one hand a thunderbolt, and in the other a scepter of cypress. His power was supposed to extend over other gods; and everything was subservient to his will except the Fates. There is the most abundant proof that he was worshipped…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jupiter: Act 19:35 Acts 14:13”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 14 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification