Zeus

Zeus, the chief god in Greek mythology, is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of Paul and Barnabas' visit to the city of Lystra (Act.14.12-13). After Paul healed a man who had been lame from birth, the people of Lystra identified Barnabas with Zeus and Paul with Hermes, believing them to be gods in human form.

The priest of Zeus, whose temple was located just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, intending to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. However, the apostles tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, urging them not to worship them as gods but to turn to the living God who created the heavens and the earth.

This incident highlights the prevalence of polytheistic beliefs in the Greco-Roman world and the challenge that early Christian missionaries faced in proclaiming the message of the one true God. It also demonstrates the apostles' commitment to rejecting any form of idolatry or misplaced worship, even when it was directed towards them.