The answer is: Jupiter and Mercury

Acts 14:12 - also Zeus and Hermes in the Greek.

When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra, their miraculous healing of a crippled man led the locals to mistakenly believe they were the gods Jupiter (Zeus) and Mercury (Hermes). This mix-up offers a fascinating peek into the cultural backdrop of the time. These two deities were prominent figures in Roman and Greek mythology, associated with godly authority and messenger duties, respectively.

It's intriguing to note that when the local people began connecting the miraculous works of Paul and Barnabas with their own mythology, they were tapping into a blend of religious culture—narratives that had formed the worldview of the Hellenistic society they were knee-deep in. Lystra was likely influenced by a legend where Zeus and Hermes disguised themselves as mere mortals, visiting the very region as a test of hospitality. This shows that ancient towns often operated under the belief that gods could walk amongst them, delivering messages firm in human costumes, highlighting a crossroad between faith and daily life.

Additionally, this incident emphasizes how early followers of Jesus had to navigate with sensitivity through diverse cultural beliefs. Instead of feeling flattered—this was a moment for serious correction—Paul and Barnabas pointed to the one true God, promoting a shift away from polytheism. Their efforts illustrate an ongoing theme throughout the Acts of the Apostles: the importance of grounding missional work in a deeper understanding of local contexts, acknowledging diverse mythology as both an obstacle and entrypoint for introducing a new hope.