Who Was Hermes in the Bible?
Hermes: A Figure from Greek Mythology and a Christian in Rome
The name Hermes appears in the New Testament, associated with two distinct references: one related to Greek mythology and the other to a Christian in Rome. These references provide insight into the cultural and religious context of the early Christian church and the challenges faced by the apostles as they spread the gospel.
Hermes, the Greek Deity
In Acts 14:12, Hermes is mentioned in the context of a significant event involving the Apostle Paul and Barnabas in the city of Lystra. The people of Lystra, witnessing a miraculous healing performed by Paul, mistook him and Barnabas for gods. They called Barnabas Zeus (Greek: Ζεύς, Zeus), and Paul they called Hermes (Greek: Ἑρμῆς, Hermes), because he was the chief speaker. Hermes, in Greek mythology, was known as the messenger of the gods, the god of trade, and the guide of souls to the underworld. The people of Lystra, influenced by their cultural beliefs, saw Paul’s eloquence and assumed he embodied Hermes, the divine messenger.
This incident reflects the syncretistic and superstitious nature of the time, where people readily attributed divine characteristics to humans based on extraordinary acts. The local priest even brought oxen and garlands to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, underscoring the depth of their misunderstanding. Paul and Barnabas, horrified by this response, tore their clothes and vehemently rejected the people’s worship, directing them instead to the living God who made heaven and earth (Acts 14:14-15). This event illustrates the challenges the apostles faced in communicating the gospel in a culturally diverse and often polytheistic environment.
Hermes, the Christian in Rome
Hermes also appears as a Christian in Rome, greeted by Paul in Romans 16:14. In this passage, Paul sends greetings to various members of the Christian community, including Hermes. The verse states: “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters with them.” This mention suggests that Hermes was an active member of the Roman church, possibly a leader or a significant figure within the community.
The name Hermes, shared with a pagan deity, suggests that he was likely a Gentile convert to Christianity. The adoption of Christian faith by individuals with such names highlights the transformative power of the gospel, transcending cultural and religious backgrounds. Hermes’s inclusion in Paul’s greetings emphasizes the diversity and unity within the early Christian church.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Understanding and Engaging with Cultural Contexts
The incident in Lystra teaches modern Christians the importance of understanding and engaging with the cultural contexts in which they share the gospel. Paul and Barnabas encountered a deeply entrenched belief system that interpreted their actions through the lens of Greek mythology. Modern believers can learn from this to approach cultural differences with sensitivity, seeking to communicate the gospel in ways that resonate with diverse audiences while remaining true to the core message of Christ.
The Inclusivity of the Gospel
The mention of Hermes as a Christian in Rome underscores the inclusivity of the gospel message. The early church consisted of individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds, unified by their faith in Jesus Christ. This diversity is a testament to the gospel’s power to transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries, inviting all people into the family of God. For contemporary Christians, this serves as a reminder to embrace diversity within the church and to extend the message of Christ to all, regardless of background.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Revelation to All Peoples
The encounter in Lystra, where Paul and Barnabas redirected worship from themselves to the living God, highlights the universal nature of God’s revelation. They emphasized that the true God made heaven and earth, contrasting the living God with the dead idols worshiped by the people. This points to the biblical truth that God desires all people to know Him and to turn away from idolatry. It underscores God’s love and desire for a relationship with humanity, a relationship that transcends cultural and religious barriers.
The Transformative Power of Conversion
Hermes, as a Christian in Rome, represents the transformative power of the gospel. Despite sharing a name with a pagan deity, his inclusion in Paul’s greetings signifies a complete transformation of identity through Christ. This transformation is a powerful testament to God’s ability to redeem and renew individuals, no matter their past or cultural background. For modern believers, this is a comforting reminder that God’s grace is available to all and that He can bring about profound change in anyone’s life.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus as the True Messenger
While the people of Lystra mistakenly identified Paul as Hermes, the true messenger of the gospel is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Word made flesh, the ultimate revelation of God’s message to humanity (John 1:14). Unlike Hermes, who in mythology served as a messenger for the gods, Jesus is both the message and the messenger, bringing the good news of salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. This emphasizes the unique and unparalleled role of Christ in God’s plan of redemption.
The Universal Scope of Christ’s Mission
The diverse backgrounds of early Christians, including individuals like Hermes, reflect the universal scope of Christ’s mission. Jesus came to seek and save the lost from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The gospel’s reach, extending to Jews and Gentiles alike, fulfills God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s seed (Genesis 12:3). This universality calls modern Christians to participate in the Great Commission, sharing the message of Jesus with all people, regardless of their background or previous beliefs.
Conclusion
Hermes, mentioned in both Acts 14:12 and Romans 16:14, provides a glimpse into the cultural and religious dynamics of the early Christian church. His name connects two distinct narratives: the encounter in Lystra, where Paul and Barnabas corrected a cultural misunderstanding, and the Roman Christian community, where diverse individuals, including Gentile converts, were united in Christ. For modern Christians, these accounts offer valuable lessons on cultural engagement, the inclusivity of the gospel, and the transformative power of God’s love. They also highlight the central role of Jesus Christ as the true messenger of God’s good news, calling all believers to share this message with the world. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to embrace the diversity within the body of Christ and to faithfully proclaim the gospel in every cultural context, trusting in God’s power to transform lives and bring people into His kingdom.