Acts 17:34 meaning
In a pivotal moment during Paul's missionary journey, he preached in the intellectual and cultural hub of Athens, a city steeped in idolatry and philosophical thought. This encounter was marked by diverse responses as Paul proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, a concept that many in his audience found hard to grasp. The Athenians, known for their love of new ideas, displayed typical reactions: some mocked him, while others expressed a desire to hear further, exemplifying the broad spectrum of human response to the gospel. Yet, amidst skepticism, a few were genuinely touched by his message.
In reflecting on the aftermath of Paul's address, we learn that certain individuals, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, were drawn to Paul's teaching and chose to believe in Christ. Their conversions illustrate how God can work through even the hardest hearts, demonstrating that while many may resist the truth, a few will embrace it wholeheartedly, marking the beginning of faith in a largely skeptical environment. This serves as a reminder of God's persistent call to humanity, inviting both the intellectual and the simple to find salvation in Him. Acts 17:34
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Acts 17:22-34 meaning. Paul gives a sermon that does not presume prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Paul compliments the Athenians on how reverent they are toward divine powers. Paul observes that one of the idols in Athens is dedicated to “the unknown god.” He uses this unknown god as a stand-in for the true God, that although He is unknown to the Greeks, He desires to be known by them. Paul explains that the true God is the real power behind all life. He is a God who does not live in temples. Paul claims that God has overlooked the Athenians’ past; they did not know Him and had not heard of Him until now, but now God was calling them to repent and return to Him because He has appointed a day in which everyone will be judged by a Man who was raised from the dead. Some of Paul’s listeners think the claim that God resurrected a Man is too incredible to believe. But others are very interested in what Paul is preaching. Some Greeks even go to him to learn more. They then believe in Jesus. One of the new believers is an Athenian judge.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 34:12-17 meaning. The LORD warns the Israelites against engaging in idolatry when entering the Promised Land. Not only are they not to ally themselves with the idolatry that existed in the land, but they are to eradicate every trace of it from the land.
- 1 Samuel 17:1-3 meaning. Israel sets their army in array against the Philistine enemy.
- Deuteronomy 34:9-12 meaning. This last section of the book serves as an epitaph (words written in memory to someone who has died) to Moses. In addition to presenting Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites, the epitaph then describes the unparalleled relationship Moses had with his suzerain LORD.