Lectionary Calendar
Saturday, April 27th, 2024
the Fourth Week after Easter
Attention!
Partner with StudyLight.org as God uses us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine.
Click to donate today! Bible Encyclopedias
Mercury; Mercurius
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Search for…
or
mûr´kū́ - ri , mẽr - kū´ri - us : The translation of Ἑρμῆς , Hermḗs , in Acts 14:12 : "They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker." Hermes was the god of eloquence (and also of theft), the attendant, messenger and spokesman of the gods. The more commanding presence of Barnabas (compare 2 Corinthians 10:10 ) probably caused him to be identified with Zeus (the Roman Jupiter), while his gift of eloquence suggested the identification of Paul with Hermes (the Roman Mercury). The temple of Jupiter was before Lystra, and to him the Lycaonians paid their chief worship. Compare the legend of Baucis and Philemon (Ovid, Metam . viii. 611 f). See HERMES; JUPITER; GREECE , RELIGION IN .
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and were generously provided by the folks at WordSearch Software.
Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Mercury; Mercurius'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/m/mercury-mercurius.html. 1915.
