The Bible mentions Zeus in two primary contexts: the New Testament and in certain historical books not universally accepted across all Christian denominations. These mentions illustrate the historical interaction between early Christians and pagan societies, as well as significant historical events concerning ancient Israel.
Zeus in the New Testament: The Book of Acts
Zeus is explicitly mentioned in the Book of Acts, chapter 14. This account details an event during the missionary journeys of the apostles Paul and Barnabas in the city of Lystra.
- The Incident in Lystra: After Paul miraculously healed a man who had been lame from birth, the local inhabitants, who were polytheistic, were astonished. Believing Paul and Barnabas to be gods who had descended to earth in human form, they identified Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes (because Paul was the chief speaker).
- Attempted Worship: The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. This act highlights the pervasive pagan worship of the time.
- Rejection of Idolatry: Paul and Barnabas were horrified by this attempt to worship them. They tore their clothes in distress and vehemently urged the crowd to turn away from these "worthless things" (idols) and worship the living God who created heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in them.
This incident in Acts 14 (specifically Acts 14:8-18) serves as a clear biblical example of the conflict between Christian monotheism and the prevalent pagan polytheism of the Roman world, with the apostles explicitly rejecting any association with or worship of Greek deities like Zeus.
Zeus in the Books of Maccabees
Zeus is also mentioned in the Books of Maccabees, which recount significant historical events concerning the Jewish people during the Hellenistic period (around the 2nd century BCE). These books are considered part of the Old Testament canon by Catholic and Orthodox Christians (deuterocanonical books) but are not included in the Protestant Holy Bibles, where they are often referred to as Apocrypha.
- Historical Context: During this era, the Seleucid Empire, a Greek kingdom ruling over the Middle East, sought to Hellenize the Jewish population. King Antiochus IV Epiphanes was particularly aggressive in suppressing Jewish religious practices.
- Desecration of the Temple: A major act of desecration, described in 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees, involved the erection of an idol of Zeus in the Temple in Jerusalem. Specifically, the altar in the Temple was dedicated to Zeus Olympios, and the Jews were compelled to offer sacrifices to pagan gods. This event, known as the "Abomination of Desolation," sparked the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish rebellion that ultimately led to the rededication of the Temple (celebrated as Hanukkah).
This mention of Zeus (1 Maccabees 1:54, 2 Maccabees 6:2) highlights a period of intense religious persecution and the struggle of the Jewish people to maintain their monotheistic faith against the imposition of Greek polytheism.
Summary of Zeus Mentions in the Bible
The following table provides a quick overview of where Zeus is mentioned and the context:
| Biblical Book | Context of Zeus Mention | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 14:8-18 | Paul and Barnabas mistaken for Hermes and Zeus in Lystra by the local populace after a miracle. The apostles vehemently reject being worshipped. | Illustrates the clash between early Christian monotheism and pagan polytheism; affirms worship of the one true God. |
| 1 Maccabees 1:54, 6:2 2 Maccabees 6:2 |
Syrian Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrates the Jerusalem Temple by installing an idol of Zeus and forcing pagan worship. | Represents a severe historical attack on Jewish religious identity and a catalyst for the Maccabean Revolt. |
In both instances, the Bible portrays Zeus as a false god within a pagan system, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic worship of the God of Israel.
