Are Greek gods mentioned in the Bible?

Introduction

The question of whether Greek gods are mentioned in the Bible arises from passages in the New Testament that refer to ancient deities, particularly within the historical and cultural context of the early Church. Several verses detail encounters with individuals and groups who worshiped these gods, providing insight into the biblical perspective on worship outside of Israel’s faith tradition. This entry aims to examine the relevant passages, discuss the context in which these gods are mentioned, and explore the implications for understanding Scripture’s stance on other deities.

Cultural Background of the New Testament Era

During the period in which the New Testament was written, the Roman Empire encompassed diverse cultures. Hellenistic influences—stemming from the earlier conquests of Alexander the Great—remained strong. Temples to various Greek gods, such as Zeus, Hermes, Artemis (also known in the Roman context as Diana), and others, were integral to civic life and religious practice.

Jewish populations and emerging Christian communities often lived alongside these cultic worshipers, creating frequent interactions and occasional conflicts. Understanding this broader cultural environment is crucial in examining when and why Greek deities are mentioned in Scripture.

Explicit Mentions of Greek Gods in the Bible

1. Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes (Acts 14)

Acts 14 recounts how the inhabitants of Lystra reacted to a miraculous healing performed through Paul.

• “Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.” (Acts 14:12)

This passage demonstrates that local onlookers interpreted miracles within their own religious framework. Observing the power displayed, they labeled Barnabas and Paul with names of the most prominent Olympian gods they knew: Zeus (king of the gods) and Hermes (messenger god).

2. Reference to Castor and Pollux (Acts 28)

In describing Paul’s journey to Rome, Acts notes a ship that bore the figurehead of the “Twin Brothers,” commonly identified as Castor and Pollux—demigod sons of Zeus in Greek and Roman mythology.

• While the verse does not dwell on their identities, it highlights the commonplace nature of Greek religious symbols: “After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island. It bore the figurehead of the Twin Brothers.” (Acts 28:11)

3. Artemis of the Ephesians (Acts 19)

In Ephesus, worship centered around the goddess Artemis, whose magnificent temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Acts 19:24–41 describes a riot stirred up by silversmiths worried that the Christian message would undermine the lucrative trade of Artemis idols.

• “When they heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” (Acts 19:28)

This passage illustrates how entrenched the worship of Greek gods was in local economies and social structures.

4. The “Unknown God” in Athens (Acts 17)

In Acts 17, Paul observes the numerous idols in Athens and eventually addresses the Areopagus, referencing an altar to an “unknown god,” which epitomized the Athenians’ religious complexity.

• “For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” (Acts 17:23)

Paul uses this as a bridge to introduce the one true God, contrasting biblical monotheism with the worship of multiple deities.

Biblical Perspective on These Mentions

Though Greek gods appear in the New Testament narrative, their mention serves to underscore two key ideas:

1. They Represent False Idolatry

Scripture maintains a steadfast affirmation of a single, eternal Creator. Elsewhere, Paul writes, “We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one” (1 Corinthians 8:4). Any reference to Greek gods in the Bible underscores the biblical stance that these deities are part of a cultural practice of idolatry, not coexisting spiritual realities.

2. They Depict How the Gospel Engages Different Cultures

When the apostles encountered polytheistic worship, they contextualized the gospel to respectfully confront these beliefs, pointing to the supremacy of the one true God. The Bible portrays these moments as opportunities to contrast the living God with the myriad of local gods and to proclaim a message of salvation through Christ alone.

Archaeological and Historical Context

Archaeological finds, such as temple ruins (e.g., the remains of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus) and original inscriptions (including altars possibly akin to the “unknown god” references), confirm the pervasive nature of Greek religious practice throughout the Mediterranean. These discoveries corroborate the biblical description of cities like Ephesus, Lystra, and Athens, where conversations about Greek gods occurred. By matching biblical accounts with archaeological evidence, historians and biblical scholars affirm the historical reliability of the references to Greek deities in the New Testament.

Implications for Understanding Scripture

1. Affirmation of Biblical Historicity

The presence of Greek gods in New Testament narratives reflects genuine historical circumstances. The mention of specific deities and localized worship practices supports an accurate depiction of first-century life.

2. Cohesion with the Bible’s Monotheistic Focus

These allusions never detract from Scripture’s primary emphasis: “There is but one God” (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6). Greek gods serve as examples of humanity’s inclination toward polytheism, setting the stage for the biblical message that calls people to abandon idols for the true and living God.

3. Preparation for the Spread of the Gospel

Interactions with Greek deities highlight how apostles and early Christian witnesses presented the gospel in contexts rife with polytheism. By addressing communities that worshiped these gods, leaders like Paul effectively bridged cultural gaps, leading to conversions and the establishment of Christian congregations throughout the Greek-influenced world.

Conclusion

Yes, Greek gods are indeed mentioned in the Bible, most notably in Acts. They are introduced not as competing realities but as reflections of the religious environment the apostles encountered. These accounts serve to contrast the culturally entrenched worship of various gods with biblical truth, proclaiming the “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6). Ultimately, Scripture consistently points to the supremacy of the Creator and offers salvation through the resurrected Christ, standing in stark distinction from any pantheon of constructed deities that ancient cultures held dear.