The answer is: Jupiter and Mercury

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

In Acts 14:12, we find an interesting account of Paul and Barnabas' visit to Lystra, a city where people were deeply rooted in their belief in gods. When they witnessed the miraculous healing of a man who could not walk, the locals were so amazed that they mistook these apostles for their beloved deities—Jupiter (Zeus) and Mercury (Hermes). This confusion is fascinating because it reflects not only the cultural context of Lystra, where mythology was essential to daily life, but also the human tendency to quickly attribute extraordinary events to the divine.

Jupiter, known as the king of the Roman gods, was associated with the thunder, much like Zeus in Greek legend. Mercury, on the other hand, served as the messenger god and was linked with eloquence and communication. Fun fact—Zeus (Jupiter) was often depicted throwing lightning bolts, while Hermes (Mercury) was characterized wearing winged sandals.

Interestingly, historians point to the legend of Zeus and Hermes visiting earth in disguise as common motifs in literature. This underlines how myths can echo through generations, rooting themselves within cultures. Paul and Barnabas’ experience shows how people often see the divine in acts of compassion, and reveals not just a theological misunderstanding but opens a window to how humanity wrestles with the meaning of miracles. Instead of claiming divinity for themselves, the apostles humbly redirected the glory toward a singular, living God—a powerful position amid splendor, calling forth a deeper understanding of spiritual presence.