By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
THE UNKNOWN KNOWN
Acts 17:22–34
Acts is the unfolding story of the people of God, filled with the Spirit of God, engaging in the mission of God. In the passage this week we see Paul in Athens. This impressive city was in the “late afternoon of her glory” when Paul arrived. Athens was the birthplace of democracy and was the home of many influential philosophers, doctors, writers and artists. Athens was still considered the cultural and intellectual center of the Roman Empire.
At the highest point in the city there was a temple called the Parthenon. Inside there was a statue of Athena, the patron goddess of the city. About 50 yards from the Parthenon was a little hill about 50 feet high and about 150 yards long. On it a temple was built to the Greek god of war, Ares, who corresponded to the Roman god of war, Mars. Paul’s speech took place on this hill, known as the Areopagus or Mars Hill.
Unknown God (22–23)
Paul had seen all the idols in the city and it had deeply grieved him. He had been proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection in the synagogue and the marketplace. That’s how he was invited to speak at the Areopagus. He first established a point of contact with them. He identified with their religious interest. Then he sought to correct their theology. He focused on the altar to the “unknown god.” Paul declared that God has revealed Himself. He is not unknowable. The problem is not that people cannot know God but that we do not want to know God.
The Known Creator (24–29)
Speeches on the Areopagus would usually last two to three hours. With that in mind, the Bible records the outline Paul used in his presentation. He explained the Christian worldview. He put the gospel into the bigger story of the Bible, showing the reasonableness of faith; the exclusivity of faith; and the necessity of repentance and placing faith in the resurrected Jesus.
Paul began with creation, stating that God made the world and everything in it. This fact makes it absurd to believe God can be contained in a shrine or temple. God is the sustainer of life. He is sovereign over history and geography.
God is knowable. Contrary to the Epicurean philosophers, who taught the gods were detached and uninvolved in daily affairs, Paul taught that God’s purpose in creating humans was that “they should seek God.” Paul’s language suggested the doctrine of sin, giving the imagery of blind people groping after God. We instinctively know God is there but because of sin’s blinding effects we need divine grace to give us the new spiritual eyes to find Him.
God also is the Father of humanity. Paul quoted two pagan poets to describe the truth about human nature. We humans are like our Creator in many ways, including being created in His image.
Judgment by the Son (30–31)
God is both the judge and the rescuer. The fact that God “overlooked” ignorance does not mean He ignored human rebellion. In great mercy He did not immediately visit humanity with the judgment they deserved. With the coming of Jesus a decisive turning point has taken place. Now everyone must repent or face God’s righteous judgment because all have sinned against God. But if they will turn from their sins and trust Christ, they will be saved.
Split Decision (32–34)
Some people mocked his message. Others, however, wanted to hear more. Some believed in Christ and were saved. May the Spirit of God fill us and empower us to engage in the mission of God.
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