Acts 17:23

"Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things."

Key Reflection

In Acts 17:23, Paul addresses the educated and culturally sophisticated Athenians at their famous council, the Areopagus. By noting their widespread religiosity, often manifested through numerous altars and deities, Paul acknowledges the deeply religious nature of Athens while setting the stage for his proclamation of the gospel as a fulfillment of their own cultural and philosophical pursuits.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 23. For as I passed by. Greek, "For I, coming through, and seeing," etc. And beheld. Diligently contemplated; attentively considered-- anayewrwn. The worship of an idolatrous people will be an object of intense and painful interest to a Christian. Your devotions. ta sebasmata. Our word devotions refers to the act of worship--to prayers, praises, etc. The Greek word here used means, properly, any sacred thing; any object which is worshipped, or which is connected with the place or rites of worship. Thus it is applied either to the gods themselves, or to the temples, altars, shrines, sacrifices, statues, etc., connected with the worship of the gods. This is its meaning here.

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