Who Was Called Hermes in the Bible?

When we think of Hermes, the first thing that comes to mind is the Greek god known for his speed and cunning. However, there is also a mention of Hermes in the Bible. Who was this Hermes, and what significance did he hold?

What does the Bible say about Hermes?

In the New Testament of the Bible, there are a few mentions of a person named Hermes. The first mention is in Acts 14:12 where it says, “Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.”

Who was this Hermes?

The Bible doesn’t give us much information about this particular Hermes. However, some scholars believe that this person might have been a Jewish convert to Christianity who was part of Paul’s missionary team.

The significance of calling him ‘Hermes’

It’s interesting that the people in Lystra referred to Paul as Hermes because it shows their familiarity with Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Hermes was known as a messenger to the gods and was associated with communication and eloquence.

By calling Paul ‘Hermes’, they were acknowledging his ability to communicate effectively and persuasively. It’s also possible that they saw him as someone who brought messages from God.

Conclusion

While we don’t know much about the person named Hermes mentioned in Acts 14:12, it’s clear that he held some significance to those who knew him. The fact that he was called by a name associated with communication and eloquence shows how important effective communication was even in biblical times.

As Christians, it’s important for us to continue to strive for effective communication so that we can effectively share God’s message with others.