And they called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Acts 14:12
Have you ever been mistaken for somebody famous? Neither have I. But a former brother-in-law used to groom himself to look like Bill Clinton and have someone drive him around the city of Washington, D.C. during Clinton’s administration. It pleased his vanity that people would actually point at him and identify him as Clinton, although it is fortunate for him that somebody did not take the opportunity to shoot him. It can be either exciting or dangerous – or both – to be mistaken for somebody famous, as the missionaries discovered when they healed a man in Lystra. But why were Barnabas and Paul identified as Jupiter and Mercury? And what difference does it make to us?
Jupiter was the highest of the gods in ancient Roman mythology, the equivalent of the Greek god Zeus. Easton’s Bible Dictionary identifies Jupiter as the principal deity of the ancient Greeks and Romans. He was worshipped by them under various epithets. Easton says Barnabas was identified with this god by the Lycaonians, because he was of stately and commanding presence, as they supposed Jupiter to be. In consideration, this would have been a considerable compliment to Barnabas, to be so impressive in his appearance that he would be mistaken for Jupiter. The people in Lystra who so mistook him were prepared to offer sacrifices and to hold a special ceremony. It is obvious that even without the mistaken identity, Barnabas would have been impressive and would have commanded respect by his appearance and his personality. We need to remember that it is appropriate for us, as we represent the Gospel and as we witness for our Lord, that we appear respectful. That is why the preachers dress in a suit and tie when they take the pulpit, and why Christians do not dress in sloppy or casual wear when we handle the things of God.
Our text identifies the reason why Paul was mistaken for Mercury – because he was the chief speaker. The ATS Bible Dictionary identifies Mercury as the messenger of the celestials, and the deity that presided over learning, eloquence, and traffic. The Greeks named him Hermes, interpreter, because they considered him as the interpreter of the will of the gods. According to ancient mythology, Jupiter was accustomed to take Mercury with him on expeditions among the people. To be mistaken for Mercury was a great compliment for Paul and his gift of eloquence. We know that God can and does use men with little speaking ability to effectively present the Gospel. But we also know that eloquence that is in proper tune with the Spirit’s leading is powerful and effective, and we should honour and support those with this gift. -Jim MacIntosh