Acts 17:29

Acts 17:29 (KJV): "Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device."

Context

This verse is a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's renowned sermon on Mars' Hill (the Areopagus) in Athens. Addressing an audience of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, as well as other curious Athenians, Paul skillfully leveraged their own cultural and religious landscape. He began by acknowledging their religiosity, specifically pointing to an altar inscribed "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD" (Acts 17:23). Having established God as the sovereign Creator who does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24) and in whom "we live, and move, and have our being", Paul transitions to this powerful declaration against idolatry, drawing on their own poets.

Key Themes

• God's Transcendence and Immateriality: The core message is that the true God, being the Creator and sustainer of all life, cannot be confined to or represented by material objects like gold, silver, or stone. He is far beyond human artistry or conception. This highlights God's incomparable nature.
• Humanity's Divine Connection: Paul asserts, "we are the offspring of God." This phrase, borrowed from Greek poets like Aratus and Cleanthes, served as a common ground for Paul with his philosophical audience. It highlights that humanity, unlike inanimate idols, possesses a spiritual connection to the divine, being made in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and possessing a rational, living soul.
• Rejection of Idolatry: Flowing directly from the previous points, if humanity, God's offspring, is living and spiritual, then God Himself, the ultimate Spirit, cannot be reduced to lifeless, man-made objects. This strongly condemns the common practice of creating and worshipping idols, which are described as having mouths but not speaking, eyes but not seeing (Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 44:9-20).

Linguistic Insights

• "Godhead" (Greek: theion, θεῖον): This term refers to the divine nature or essence. It emphasizes the intrinsic quality of God, underlining that His being is fundamentally spiritual and incomparable to anything physical or created. Paul uses it here to describe the divine reality itself, not merely a deity.
• "Offspring" (Greek: genos, γένος): While Paul quotes Greek poets, his usage here points to humanity's origin and inherent dignity as distinct from the animal kingdom or inanimate objects. It's a statement about our source and nature, not that humans are divine in the same sense God is, but that we derive our being from Him.

Practical Application

Acts 17:29 remains highly relevant in contemporary society. While overt idol worship of gold or stone statues may be less common in some cultures, the principle holds true: we must not reduce God to anything less than His transcendent, spiritual nature. Modern forms of "idolatry" can include:

• Materialism: Valuing possessions, wealth, or status above God.
• Self-Worship: Placing one's own desires, opinions, or achievements as ultimate.
• Intellectual Idolatry: Believing that God must conform to human reason or scientific understanding alone, thereby limiting His infinite nature.

This verse challenges us to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24), recognizing His incomprehensible greatness and refusing to confine Him to our limited human constructs or desires. As God's "offspring," we are called to reflect His spiritual nature, not to fashion Him into our own image.