Acts 17:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's declaration in Acts 17:30 on Mars' Hill marks a profound shift in divine interaction with humanity, proclaiming that God, who previously overlooked humanity's widespread spiritual ignorance, now universally commands all people, everywhere, to turn from their former ways and embrace a transformative change of mind and life in light of His revealed truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's sermon at the Areopagus (Mars' Hill) in [Acts 17](/acts/17 "Acts 17 - Paul in Athens") is a masterful example of contextualized evangelism. He begins by observing their altar "to the unknown god" ([Acts 17:23](/acts/17-23 "Acts 17:23 - The Unknown God")) and uses it as a bridge to introduce the true God—the Creator who made the world and everything in it, who does not live in temples made by human hands ([Acts 17:24](/acts/17-24 "Acts 17:24 - God the Creator")). He emphasizes God's self-sufficiency, His giving of life and breath to all ([Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God Gives Life")), and His sovereign ordering of human history and habitation ([Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations")). The preceding verses build a theological foundation for God's authority and man's dependence, culminating in the call to repentance and the announcement of judgment in [Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30-31 "Acts 17:30-31 - The Call to Repentance and Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Athens in the first century was the intellectual and philosophical capital of the ancient world, a city steeped in idolatry and philosophical discourse. The Areopagus was a prominent rock outcropping near the Acropolis, serving as a meeting place for the city's council and a forum for philosophical debate. Paul was addressing Stoic and Epicurean philosophers ([Acts 17:18](/acts/17-18 "Acts 17:18 - Paul Encounters Philosophers")), who held diverse views on deity, creation, and human responsibility. The concept of a single, sovereign God who demands repentance would have been foreign to their polytheistic and often fatalistic worldviews. Their culture was characterized by a search for wisdom and knowledge, but often without a true understanding of the divine, as evidenced by their numerous altars and idols.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts") and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Transcendence**, asserting God as the ultimate authority who dictates the terms of human interaction with Him. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Divine Forbearance and Patience**, indicating a period where God, in His mercy, did not immediately execute judgment for humanity's ignorance, yet this forbearance was not an endorsement of sin. Thirdly, it underscores the **Urgency and Universality of the Gospel Call**, emphasizing that with the revelation of Christ, the period of "winking at" ignorance has ceased, and a new era of accountability has dawned, demanding a response from "all men every where," a theme echoed in [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel"). Finally, it sets the stage for the **Certainty of Future Judgment**, as the command to repent is directly linked to God's appointed day of judgment through the resurrected Christ ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - The Appointed Judge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This refers to the supreme Divinity, the one true God, distinct from the myriad of deities worshipped by the Athenians. Paul is not speaking of just any god, but the Creator and Sustainer of all, establishing His singular authority to command.
* **winked at (Greek, _hypereídō'_):** This term means "to overlook" or "not to punish." It signifies a period of divine forbearance and leniency, where God, in His long-suffering, did not immediately or fully exact judgment for the widespread ignorance concerning His true nature and will before the full revelation of the Gospel in Christ. It does not imply approval of sin or ignorance, but a temporary suspension of immediate, universal judgment.
* **repent (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** This powerful verb means "to think differently or afterwards," leading to a moral reconsideration and compunction. It denotes a profound change of mind, a turning away from one's former way of life, sin, and self-reliance, and a turning towards God. This is not merely an intellectual assent but a transformative reorientation of one's entire being, affecting one's will, emotions, and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the times of this ignorance God winked at;":** This clause describes God's past dealings with humanity. "The times of this ignorance" refers to the period before the clear and widespread proclamation of the Gospel through Jesus Christ. During this era, humanity, particularly the Gentiles, lacked a full and explicit revelation of God's character and His redemptive plan. God, in His sovereign patience and mercy, "winked at" or overlooked this ignorance in the sense that He did not bring immediate, comprehensive judgment upon all humanity for their failure to acknowledge Him or for their idolatry. This does not mean God condoned sin, but rather that He deferred judgment, allowing time for His redemptive plan to unfold.
* **"but now commandeth all men every where to repent:":** This clause introduces a radical and universal shift in God's interaction with humanity. The conjunction "but now" signifies a new epoch, inaugurated by the coming of Christ, His death, resurrection, and the subsequent proclamation of the Gospel. With this decisive revelation, the period of divine forbearance has concluded. God no longer "overlooks" ignorance; instead, He issues a direct, authoritative, and universal command. The call to "repent" is addressed to "all men every where," emphasizing its global scope and the non-negotiable nature of this divine imperative. It underscores that no one is exempt from this call to a transformative change of mind and life in response to the revealed truth of God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this concise statement. The most prominent is **Contrast**, highlighted by the strong adversative conjunction "but now." This creates a stark juxtaposition between God's past dealings ("the times of this ignorance God winked at") and His present command ("but now commandeth all men every where to repent"). This contrast emphasizes the decisive shift in divine revelation and human accountability brought about by the advent of Christ. Additionally, there is subtle **Personification** in "God winked at," attributing a human-like action (winking/overlooking) to God, conveying His long-suffering patience. The phrase "all men every where" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the absolute universality and inclusiveness of the command, leaving no one outside its scope. The entire verse also functions as a **Climax** in Paul's argument, moving from God's nature as Creator and Sustainer to His ultimate demand for a response from humanity, setting the stage for the final judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:30 stands as a foundational statement regarding God's just and merciful governance over human history. It reveals that while God, in His patience, allowed for a period where the full light of His truth was not universally revealed, the coming of Christ has irrevocably altered this dynamic. The "times of ignorance" were not a license for sin, but a demonstration of divine long-suffering, leading humanity to a point where a clear, universal command for repentance could be issued. This highlights God's sovereignty over time and His unwavering commitment to bringing all humanity to account, emphasizing that true knowledge of God demands a transformed life.

* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - God's Forbearance and Propitiation")
* [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:30 challenges us to consider our own response to God's revealed truth. If God "winked at" times of ignorance, what does that imply for those of us living in an age where the Gospel has been proclaimed and is accessible? It underscores the heightened accountability that comes with greater light. We are no longer living in a period where ignorance can serve as an excuse. God's command to repent is not an outdated directive but a timeless, urgent call for every individual to undergo a radical change of mind and direction – a turning away from self-reliance, sin, and worldly values, and a turning towards God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of humility and obedience, recognizing God's authority and embracing His grace. It compels us to examine our lives, confess our shortcomings, and align our will with His, living in light of the coming judgment and the hope of resurrection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I still be living in "ignorance" of God's will or character, despite having access to His Word?**
* **What specific areas of my life need a deeper "repentance" – a turning away from old patterns and a turning towards Christ?**
* **How does the universality of God's command to "all men every where" impact my understanding of evangelism and missions?**
* **If God's patience has a limit, how should that urgency motivate my spiritual walk and my sharing of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**What does "God winked at" truly mean in Acts 17:30?**

Answer: The phrase "God winked at" (KJV) or "overlooked" (NIV, ESV) comes from the Greek word _hypereídō_ (G5237), which means "to overlook," "to pass over," or "not to punish." It signifies a period of divine forbearance and leniency. It does not mean God approved of or condoned the ignorance and sin of humanity during those times. Rather, in His sovereign patience, He did not immediately execute full judgment for the widespread lack of knowledge concerning Him, particularly among the Gentiles, before the full revelation of His truth through Jesus Christ. This period of "winking at" was a temporary measure, allowing His redemptive plan to unfold, but it has now ceased with the clear proclamation of the Gospel, leading to a new era of accountability for all, as indicated by the subsequent command to repent. This concept of God's patience is also seen in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - God's Forbearance and Propitiation"), where His forbearance is linked to His propitiation through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:30, while a command to humanity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "times of this ignorance" were a period awaiting the full revelation of God, a revelation that came definitively in Christ, who is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). It is through His life, death, and resurrection that God's character and redemptive plan are fully unveiled, making ignorance no longer an excuse. The universal command to "repent" is not a mere legalistic demand but a gracious invitation made possible by Christ's atoning sacrifice. He is the one "who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and it is by turning to Him in faith that true repentance—a transformation of mind and life—becomes possible. Moreover, the verse foreshadows the coming judgment mentioned in [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God's Appointed Judge"), where God will judge the world "by that man whom he hath ordained," unequivocally identifying Jesus as the appointed Judge of all humanity ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")). Thus, the call to repent in [Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - The Command to Repent") is intrinsically Christ-centered, as He is both the reason for the new era of accountability and the means by which humanity can respond in saving faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,