The answer is: Jupiter

Acts 14:12

In Acts 14, we find a fascinating scene unfolding when Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra. After healing a crippled man, the locals, overwhelmed by the miracle, mistakenly conclude that these two men were divine beings! They start calling Barnabas "Jupiter," which was the Roman name for Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. This historical moment isn’t just about ancient myths; it offers a stunning backdrop to understand early Christian relationships with different cultures and religious beliefs.

Interestingly, Jupiter doesn’t just pop up in this story; he was used to symbolize divine authority and power in the Roman world, quite a contrast to the humble message of the Christian faith that Paul and Barnabas preached. Instead of allowing themselves to be exalted, Paul and Barnabas tearfully reject the adoration, pointing the crowd back to the one true God and emphasizing humility—an admirable trait that underscores their commitment to a straightforward and sincere teaching.

Furthermore, if you dig deeper into mythology, it's intriguing how many people carried their cultural lenses into encounters with new belief systems. The connection between Paul and Barnabas and this city shines a light on the challenges of communication across cultures. As much as faith is spiritual, it weaves in and out of daily life, showing that discussions around divinity and reverence have always been layered and complex, reflecting human experience in the divine. Wouldn’t it have been engaging to be a fly on the wall during that lively interaction?