Topical Encyclopedia Zeus, in ancient Greek religion, is the chief deity of the pantheon, a sky and weather god who was identical with the Roman god Jupiter. He was regarded as the ruler of Mount Olympus and the king of the gods. In the context of the Bible, Zeus is mentioned indirectly and is associated with the pagan practices and idolatry that the early Christians encountered in the Greco-Roman world.Biblical References: 1. Acts 14:8-13 · In the city of Lystra, the Apostle Paul and Barnabas encountered a situation where the local populace mistook them for gods after Paul healed a man who had been lame from birth. The people of Lystra called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes" because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. This incident highlights the prevalence of Zeus worship in the region and the challenges faced by early Christians in preaching the Gospel amidst pagan beliefs. “When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: ‘The gods have come down to us in human form!’ Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifices to them.” (Acts 14:11-13) 2. Acts 19:23-41 · Although Zeus is not directly mentioned in this passage, the account of the riot in Ephesus provides insight into the religious climate of the time. The city was a center for the worship of Artemis, another deity of the Greek pantheon, and the silversmiths who made shrines of Artemis were concerned about the impact of Paul's preaching on their trade. This reflects the broader context of idolatry and the worship of various gods, including Zeus, that the apostles confronted. Theological Context: From a biblical perspective, the worship of Zeus and other pagan deities is seen as idolatry, which is strongly condemned throughout Scripture. The First Commandment explicitly states, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). The worship of false gods is portrayed as a deviation from the worship of the one true God, Yahweh, who is the Creator of heaven and earth. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addressed the issue of idolatry and the need for believers to turn away from such practices. In 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, Paul acknowledges that while there are many "gods" and "lords," for Christians, "there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist" . Cultural and Historical Context: Zeus was a central figure in Greek mythology and was worshipped widely across the Hellenistic world. Temples dedicated to Zeus were common, and his worship was often associated with various festivals and games, such as the Olympic Games, which were held in his honor. The influence of Greek culture and religion was pervasive in the Roman Empire, and this cultural backdrop is essential for understanding the challenges faced by the early church in spreading the Gospel. The presence of Zeus worship in cities like Lystra and Ephesus illustrates the syncretistic environment in which the early Christians lived. The apostles and early believers were tasked with proclaiming the message of Christ in a world filled with diverse religious practices and beliefs, often requiring them to confront and refute the worship of deities like Zeus. Conclusion: The mention of Zeus in the New Testament serves as a reminder of the early church's mission to proclaim the Gospel in a world steeped in idolatry. The apostles' encounters with pagan worship highlight the transformative power of the Gospel and the call for believers to turn from false gods to serve the living and true God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The chief deity of the Greeks, and ruler of the upper world (cf. Hades). He was identified with Jupiter.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZEUSzus (Zeus, the Revised Version margin; the Revised Version (British and American) and the King James Version Jupiter): The supreme god of Hellenic theology, "king of gods and of men." In 168 B.C. Antiochus Epiphanes, "who on God's altars danced," bent upon the thorough Hellenization of Judea and Jerusalem, sent "an old man of Athens" (or "Geron an Athenian," the Revised Version margin) to pollute the sanctuary in the temple at Jerusalem and to call it by the name of Jupiter Olympius, and that at Gerizim by the name of Jupiter Xenius (2 Maccabees 6:1;). Olympius, from Mt. Olympus, the home of the gods, is the favorite epithet of Zeus, Zeus Olympius being to the Greek world what Jupiter Capitolinus was to the Roman. The same Antiochus commenced the splendid temple of Zeus Olympius, finished under Hadrian. Zeus is also frequently styled Xenius or "Protector of strangers" (Juppiter hospitalis) in classical literature. The epithet is here applied because the people of Gerizim-the Samaritans-were hospitable, probably an ironical statement of the author (compare Luke 9:52). Zeus is also in Acts 14:12 the Revised Version margin for JUPITER (which see). Greek 2203. Zeus -- Zeus, the greatest of the pagan Gk. gods ... 2202, 2203. Zeus. 2204 . Zeus, the greatest of the pagan Gk. gods. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Zeus Phonetic ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2203.htm - 6k 1359. Dioskouroi -- the Dioscuri, twin sons of Zeus (Castor and ... 2211. Zenas -- "Zeus-given," Zenas, a Christian lawyer 1361. Diotrephes -- "cherished by Zeus," Diotrephes, an opponent ... 1356. diopetes -- fallen from heaven 2105. eudia -- fair weather Library Poseidon, Zeus, and Metis. The Deeds of Heathen Deities, and Particularly of Zeus. Pretended Symbolical Explanations. Testimony of the Poets to the Unity of God. Absurd Representations of the Gods. Heathen Arguments in Palliation of the Above: and -1 the Poets are ... The Poets are Unfit to be Religious Teachers. The Myths are not to be Taken Literally. And Perhaps There is a Danger as Great as that which Degrades the ... The Cruelty of the Sacrifices to the Gods. Thesaurus Zeus (3 Occurrences)...ZEUS. ... Olympus, the home of the gods, is the favorite epithet of Zeus, Zeus Olympius being to the Greek world what Jupiter Capitolinus was to the Roman. ... /z/zeus.htm - 8k Jupiter (3 Occurrences) Lystra (6 Occurrences) Pergamum (2 Occurrences) Pergamos (1 Occurrence) Ancient (64 Occurrences) Crete (7 Occurrences) Olympius Intending (24 Occurrences) Entrance (190 Occurrences) Resources Does the name “Jesus” actually mean “Hail, Zeus”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat Greek gods are mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the myth of Pandora's Box, and how does it relate to the biblical creation account? | GotQuestions.org Zeus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Zeus (3 Occurrences)Acts 14:12 Acts 14:13 Acts 19:35 Subtopics Related Terms |
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