The Gods of Olympus?

The early evangelizes of the New Testament that were sent forth to preach the good news, were given separate designations other than their birth names.  Take Barnabas and Paul when they went evangelizing, amongst the Gentile, they went by other names, especially in Anatolia!  Barnabas went by the name Zeus, while Paul was seen as Hermes. Acts 14:12-13; 19:35 NIV.  The New Testament (NT) seems to thrive on pseudonyms, as every biblical person seems to have one, with Paul, these epithets seem to be a badge of honour.  Paul had at least six (6) appellations: Saul, Paul, Simon Magus aka Simon the Magician aka Simon the Samaritan, not forgetting that he was called the “Enemy,” by the original followers of Jesus, the Ebionites.

A statue of Zeus in Olympia was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.  In the annals of history, the Greek god Zeus equated with the Roman god Jupiter, and the equivalent of the Greek god Hermes is the Roman god Mercury are so translated in Acts (14:12-13; 19:35 KJV); also, the Greek goddess Artemis, was known in the Roman world as goddess Diana.  However, in others versions such as NIV, they have kept the ancient Greek names Zeus, Hermes, and Artemis.  What do you say?

Sue for Jero.

R&I~Smit