Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

And {G3303}{G3767} the times {G5550} of this ignorance {G52} God {G2316} winked at {G5237}; but now {G3569} commandeth {G3853} all {G3956} men {G444} every where {G3837} to repent {G3340}:

“In the past, God overlooked such ignorance; but now he is commanding all people everywhere to turn to him from their sins.

Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.

The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:

Acts 17:30 is a pivotal statement from Paul's sermon on Mars' Hill in Athens, marking a dramatic shift in God's dealings with humanity.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's powerful address to the intellectual elite of Athens gathered at the Areopagus (Mars' Hill). He found them worshipping various deities, including an altar dedicated "to the unknown god." Paul skillfully used this as a springboard to introduce them to the one true God, the Creator of the universe, who does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24) and who gives life and breath to all. Having established God's sovereignty and immanence, Paul then moves to the divine expectation for humanity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Forbearance: The phrase "God winked at" signifies a period of divine patience and tolerance. Before the full light of the Gospel was revealed through Jesus Christ, God, in His mercy, allowed for a degree of human ignorance regarding His true nature and His will. This does not mean God condoned sin, but rather that He did not execute immediate, universal judgment for it during those "times of ignorance."
  • Universal Command to Repentance: The conjunction "but now" introduces a radical change. With the coming of Christ and the clear proclamation of the Gospel, the period of "winking at" ignorance has ended. God now issues a direct, universal command: "commandeth all men every where to repent." This call is not optional or limited to a specific group; it extends to "all men every where," emphasizing its global and inclusive nature. This command is foundational to the message of the Kingdom of God.
  • Transition from Ignorance to Accountability: The verse highlights a critical transition. Humanity is no longer without excuse. The revelation of God through Christ means that individuals are now held accountable for their response to this truth. This sets the stage for the announcement of God's appointed judge and the resurrection (Acts 17:31).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "God winked at" comes from the Greek word hyperorao (ὑπεροράω), which literally means "to overlook," "to pass over," or "to disregard." It conveys the idea that God, in His long-suffering, did not fully exact judgment for the widespread ignorance concerning Him before the advent of Christ. It implies a temporary period of divine leniency, not approval of ignorance or sin.

The word "repent" is from the Greek metanoeo (μετανοέω), which signifies a profound "change of mind." This change is not merely intellectual but involves a complete turning around – a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It implies a transformation of one's entire life perspective and direction, leading to actions consistent with that change.

Practical Application

Acts 17:30 remains profoundly relevant today. It underscores that God's patience is not endless and that His call to repentance is urgent and universal. For those who have heard the Gospel, there is no longer a "time of ignorance." We are called to respond to God's revelation by turning from our own ways and embracing His truth and His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse reminds us of God's justice and His mercy, urging a personal decision to acknowledge Him as Lord and to live in accordance with His will, understanding that His goodness leads to repentance.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 14:16

    Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

  • Titus 2:11

    ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

  • Titus 2:12

    Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

  • Luke 24:47

    And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

  • 1 Peter 4:3

    For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

  • Romans 3:25

    Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

  • Ephesians 4:17

    ¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
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