Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Mercurius, known in Roman mythology as the god of commerce, communication, and eloquence, is identified with the Greek god Hermes. In the context of the Bible, Mercurius is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts, where he is associated with the apostolic ministry of Paul and Barnabas. Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Mercurius in the Bible is found in Acts 14:8-12. In this passage, Paul and Barnabas are in Lystra, a city in the region of Lycaonia. After Paul heals a man who had been lame from birth, the local populace, witnessing the miracle, mistakenly believes the apostles to be gods in human form. The Berean Standard Bible records: > "When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: 'The gods have come down to us in human form!' Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker." (Acts 14:11-12) In this context, Paul is identified with Hermes (Mercurius in Latin) due to his role as the primary speaker, reflecting Hermes' association with eloquence and communication. Cultural and Religious Context: In the Greco-Roman world, Hermes/Mercurius was revered as a messenger of the gods, a patron of travelers, and a guide to the underworld. His attributes included speed, cunning, and the ability to move freely between the divine and mortal realms. The identification of Paul with Mercurius by the people of Lystra underscores the cultural syncretism prevalent in the region, where local religious beliefs were often intertwined with Greco-Roman mythology. The reaction of the Lystrans highlights the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries in communicating the gospel within a polytheistic society. The apostles' response to being mistaken for deities is immediate and emphatic, as they seek to redirect the people's worship towards the one true God: > "But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 'Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.'" (Acts 14:14-15) Theological Implications: The incident in Lystra serves as a poignant reminder of the early church's mission to distinguish the Christian message from prevailing pagan beliefs. The apostles' rejection of divine honors underscores the monotheistic foundation of Christianity and the call to worship the Creator rather than the creation. This narrative also illustrates the transformative power of the gospel, as it challenges and seeks to replace the existing religious paradigms with the truth of Christ. Conclusion: While Mercurius is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in Acts 14 provides insight into the cultural and religious dynamics of the early Christian mission. The apostles' encounter with the people of Lystra exemplifies the tension between the proclamation of the gospel and the prevailing pagan worldview, highlighting the need for clarity and fidelity to the message of Christ. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary MercuriusSmith's Bible Dictionary Mercurius(herald of the gods), properly Hermes, the Greek deity, whom the Romans identified with their Mercury, the god of commerce and bargains. Hermes was the son of Zeus (Jupiter) and Maia the daughter of Atals, and is constantly represented as the companion of his father in his wandering upon earth. The episode of Baucis and Philemon, Ovid, Metam . viii. 620-724, appears to have formed part of the folk-lore of Asia Minor, and strikingly illustrates the readiness with which the simple people of Lystra recognized in Barnabas and Paul the gods who, according to their wont, had come down in the likeness of men. (Acts 14:11) Easton's Bible Dictionary The Hermes (i.e., "the speaker") of the Greeks (Acts 14:12), a heathen God represented as the constant attendant of Jupiter, and the god of eloquence. The inhabitants of Lystra took Paul for this god because he was the "chief speaker." International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MERCURY; MERCURIUSmur'-ku-ri, mer-ku'ri-us: The translation of Hermes, 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). Library Of ??sculapius, Apollo, Mars, Castor and Pollux, and of Mercurius ... Acts xiii. 42 List of Illustrations. Index. Strange Account of the Origin of Matter, from the Various ... Argument: the Object of all Nations, and Especially of the Romans ... The Judicial Retribution of These Migrations Refuted with Raillery ... Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ... Deified and Stoned The Actions of Saturnus and Uranus Taken from the Historians. Thesaurus Mercurius (1 Occurrence)... speaker.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MERCURY; MERCURIUS. mur ... ANCIENT. MO Evans. Multi-Version Concordance Mercurius (1 Occurrence). Acts ... /m/mercurius.htm - 8k Mercury (1 Occurrence) Mercilessly (2 Occurrences) Hermes (2 Occurrences) Barnabas (33 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Mercurius (1 Occurrence)Acts 14:12 Subtopics Mercurius: Paul Taken For, in Lycaonia Related Terms |
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