Hermes is a figure that has been mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Bible. According to Greek mythology, Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers. In the Bible, however, Hermes is referred to as a person rather than a deity.
In the book of Acts in the New Testament, there are two instances where Hermes is mentioned. The first reference is in Acts 13: 6-12.
In this passage, Paul and Barnabas encounter a sorcerer named Bar-Jesus who tries to prevent them from preaching to a Roman proconsul named Sergius Paulus. However, Paul rebukes Bar-Jesus and strikes him with blindness.
After witnessing this event, Sergius Paulus becomes a believer and is baptized along with his household. It is then mentioned in verse 9 that “ Saul , who was also called Paul , filled with the Holy Spirit , looked straight at Elymas and said…” This indicates that Saul changed his name to Paul after this event.
The second reference to Hermes is found in Acts 14:8-18. In this passage, Paul and Barnabas are in Lystra preaching about Jesus Christ when they heal a man who was lame from birth. The people of Lystra were amazed by this miracle and began to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods.
They referred to Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes because he was the chief speaker among them. However, when the apostles realized what was happening, they tore their clothes in distress and told the people that they were mere men just like them.
So who was Hermes exactly? According to Greek mythology, he was considered a messenger of the gods because of his speed and ability to travel between different worlds. However, in the context of these two passages from Acts, it is likely that Hermes was simply a common name for someone who had good communication skills or was an effective speaker.
In conclusion, Hermes is a figure that appears in the Bible as a person rather than a god. While his name may be associated with Greek mythology, it is important to understand the context in which it is used in the Bible. By doing so, we can gain a greater appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of this ancient text.