Who is…
Mercurius

also known as: Mercury (Roman) and Hermes (Greek)

This is the ancient Roman false god of eloquence. The Greeks called him Hermes (i.e., “the speaker”). He also serves as the “messenger of the gods” and the guide of souls to the underworld.

Archeological evidence from Pompeii suggests that Mercury was among the most popular of Roman gods. “Julius Caesar wrote of Mercury being the most popular god in Britain and Gaul, regarded as the inventor of all the arts” (Commentarii de Bello Gallico, 6.17).

He was represented as the constant attendant of Jupiter/Zeus.

The inhabitants of Lystra mistook Paul for this god because he was the “the chief speaker” (Acts 14:12).

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. —Acts 14:12 KJV

And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. —Acts 14:12 NKJV

More information

• About idolatry and false gods in the Bible
• About idols in the Bible
• Jupiter
• Lystra
• Who is Paul? and what is his significance?
• About Ancient Rome in the Bible