Acts 17:30

Times of this ignorance. The clause literally reads “The times of ignorance therefore.” The word here used for “ignorance” (agnoia), and the words for “unknown” and “ignorantly” in v. 23 are from the same root, and illustrate the closely woven texture of Paul’s speech. He characterizes and partially excuses the whole pre-Christian period as being based on lack of knowledge, especially knowledge of the divine.

Winked at. Gr. hupereidon, “to overlook.” The English phrase, as now used, suggests not merely tolerance, but a conniving at, and condoning of, the wrong. Paul was actually deriving some comfort from the thought that ignorance lessened the guilt of, and thus the punishment due to, the heathen world. In the past ages of the world there had been a “passing over” (paresis) of men’s sins in that full retribution had not fallen upon sinners. This was due to the forbearance of God (see on Rom. 3:25).

But now. There is no word for “but” in the original. However, the Greek phrase points up the contrast between the past times of ignorance and the present time of enlightenment ushered in by such preaching as Paul’s.

Commandeth. Or, “proclaims,” “announces,” “declares.”

All men every where. A comprehensive phrase that embraces every human being, and harmonizes with the worldwide nature of the gospel commission (cf. Matt. 24:14; Mark 16:15).

Repent. God has pointed out man’s sinfulness, but His rich mercy has made it possible for him to find forgiveness, on condition of repentance.

At this point in Paul’s address the reaction of both Stoics and Epicureans, who had followed Paul’s thought, would begin to undergo a change. The Epicurean might regret the mistakes he had made in his search for enjoyment. But a change such as repentance implied — a change of mind, a loathing of one’s past and a resolve to live on a higher plane in the future — was altogether alien to his thoughts. The Stoics, on the other hand, accepted the consequences of their actions with serene apathy. They gave thanks that they were not as other men, that they had been able by their own efforts to attain to ethical perfection. But the idea of repenting had not as yet dawned on their thoughts (cf. Marcus Aurelius Meditations i. 1-16).