Definition: And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 14:12. It’s a really interesting little piece of history! Here's what it means in plain terms: Basically, Paul and Barnas were arguing about how to best help the people in Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it a bit: “And they called Barnabas, Jupiter…” – This is a bit of a playful way of saying “Paul” was named Barnabas. "Jupiter" means "Jupiter" or "jovial." It's a more formal and ancient name for Paul. "...and Paul, Mercurius..." – This describes what they were calling him. “Mercurius” is Latin for ‘mercury,’ which is related to the sun. So, they were calling him “Mercury” because he was the chief speaker during their debate. So, it’s like this: They had a disagreement about the best way to help people in Jerusalem. Paul wanted to be involved directly, while Barnas preferred to work behind the scenes. They used nicknames and titles to show their differing opinions! What's the big takeaway? It shows that even with disagreements, people often find ways to collaborate and support each other. Important Note: This verse is a bit mysterious – it’s not really about who was speaking. It’s more about how they were describing themselves in this moment! --- Do you want me to explain another Bible verse? Perhaps one with a slightly different focus, or one that deals with a particular theme (like faith, forgiveness, etc.)?