Acts 17:29

The offspring of God. The apostle immediately uses the words of the Greek poet (see on v. 28) to combat idolatry. If we are indeed God’s “offspring,” our conception of Him should mount upward, rather than descend to idols, which, being made by men, are below them. Although he subscribes to the same truth that is uttered by the OT prophets (1 Kings 18:27; Ps. 135:15-18; Isa. 44:9-20), Paul’s tone in speaking of idolatry is very different from theirs. He has studied the beginning of idolatry, and instead of speaking of it with scorn, hatred, and derision, he speaks of it with pity toward those who are its victims.

Ought not to think. As a man is of more honor than material things, how far above these must the Godhead be.

Godhead. Gr. theion, “divinity,” “deity.” Theion is used by Josephus (Antiquities viii. 4. 2 [107]) and Philo (The Unchangeableness of God xxiii [105]) for the one true God, and is here employed by Paul as a term acceptable to his Greek audience.

Gold, or silver, or stone. The first word would remind the Athenians of the lavish use of gold in the colossal statute of Athena by Phidias that stood in the Parthenon. Silver was not commonly employed, but the shrines of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus (see on ch. 19:24) are examples of its usage. “Stone” was the term commonly applied to the marble of Mt. Pentelicus, which was so widely used in the beautiful sculpture and architecture of Athens.

Graven by art. Rather, “graven [or “sculptured”] work of art.”

Man’s device. Rather, “thought [or “imagination”] of man.” This and the preceding phrase reveal Paul’s awareness of the art with which he was surrounded in Athens.