Bible Dictionary
Jupiter
Jupiter, or Zeus, was a chief god of the Greek and Roman world. At Lystra the people identified Barnabas with Jupiter, whose temple stood outside the city, showing the contrast between pagan worship and the living God.
Biblical Usage
At Lystra the Lycaonians identified Barnabas with Jupiter because of his commanding appearance and identified Paul with Hermes. A temple of Jupiter stood outside the city. The name also occurs in connection with the expression concerning something that fell from the sky at Ephesus.
Scripture References