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Acts 14:13

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 14:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And 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.
Acts 14:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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:
16who in the generations gone by suffered all the nations to walk in their own ways.
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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
“Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, etc.] Not that the priest was before the city, but Jupiter; and the phrase denotes either his presidency over the city, and so the Arabic version renders it, “who was the chief god of their city”; or the place where his image stood, which was out of the city, and so may be said to be before it; accordingly the Syriac version renders it, “who was without the city”; he who officiated as priest to him: brought oxen and garlands unto the gates; either “of the city”, as the Arabic and Ethiopic versions add, where was the statue of Jupiter; or else, and which is most likely, he brought them to the gates of the house, where Paul and Barnabas…”
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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
“the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city--that is, whose temple stood before their city, brought oxen and garlands--to crown the victims and decorate, as on festive occasions, the porches.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then the priest of Jupiter - He whose office it was to conduct the worship of Jupiter by offering sacrifices, etc. Which was before their city - The word “which” here refers not to the priest, but to Jupiter. The temple or image of Jupiter was in front of their city, or near the gates. Ancient cities were supposed to be under the protection of particular gods; and their image, or a temple for their worship, was placed commonly in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the city. Brought oxen - Probably brought two one to be sacrificed to each. It was common to sacrifice bullocks to Jupiter. And garlands - The victims of sacrifice were usually decorated with ribbons and chaplets of flowers.…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The priest of Jupiter - Whose temple and image were just without the gate of the city, brought garlands - To put on the victims, and bulls - The usual offerings to Jupiter. Acts 14:14”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:13-18 The apostles opposed the people’s idolatry and their attempt to offer sacrifices to them. They directed the people’s worship to the living God; the apostles were his representatives as they brought the Good News of the Christian message.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“and would: Act 10:25; Dan 2:46 Acts 14:14”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification