Acts 17:26-27 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:16-34

Paul at Athens. Consider— I. The connection of the whole with THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY . The Greek mind evangelized. The function of Greek thought in the development of doctrine. The contrast between the gospel and philosophy. The step towards the conquest of the world. II. The illustration of THE APOSTOLIC METHOD . Adaptation of the truth to every class of mind. Difference of the preaching when the foundation of the Jewish Scriptures was for the time forsaken.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:22-29

God revealed: his nature and relation. Paul's spirit was "stirred" with holy indignation, and with pure and strong compassion, as he witnessed the abounding signs of superstition in the streets of Athens. But he had the wisdom to begin his address to these "men of Athens" by an expression which they would take to be complimentary. He told them that he perceived they were abundantly religious. He did not conclude this from witnessing their numerous divinities, but from the inscription he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:23-32

The gospel's kindly encounter with novel foes. The opportunity now presented to Paul he must at once have recognized to be one of the grandest and most critical of his career. He was for a while separated from his two loved companions, and was permitted to face his work alone in the long-time metropolis of the world's learning, grace, and art. We are perhaps to understand that Paul somewhat sensitively felt his position to be one of a special kind of responsibility. It was certainly none... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:26

He made for hath made, A.V.; of one for of one blood, A.V. and T.R.; every nation for all nations, A.V.; having determined their appointed seasons for and hath determined the times before appointed, A.V. From the unity of God Paul deduces the unity of the human race, all created by God, all sprung from one ancestor, or one blood (whichever reading we take), and so not to have their several national gods, but all to be united in the worship of the one true and living God, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:27

God for the Lord, A.V. and T.R. (Meyer does not accept this reading); is for be, A.V.; each for every, A.V. If haply they might feel after him . ψηλαφάω is "to touch, feel, or handle," as Luke 24:39 ; Hebrews 12:18 ; 1 John 1:1 . But it is especially used of the action of the blind groping or feeling their way by their hands in default of sight. So Homer describes Polyphemus as χερσὶ ψηλαφόων , feeling his way to the mouth of the cave with his hands after he was... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 17:26

And hath made of one blood - All the families of mankind are descended from one origin or stock. However different their complexion, features, or language, yet they are derived from a common parent. The word blood is often used to denote “race, stock, kindred.” This passage affirms that all the human family are descended from the same ancestor; and that, consequently, all the variety of complexion, etc., is to be traced to some other cause than that they were originally different races created.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 17:27

That they should seek the Lord - Greek: to seek the Lord. The design of thus placing them on the earth - of gang them their habitation among his works - was, that they should contemplate his wisdom in his works, and thus come to a knowledge of his existence and character. All nations, though living in different regions and climates, have thus the opportunity of becoming acquainted with God, Romans 1:19-20. The fact that the nations did not thus learn the character of the true God shows their... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 17:24-26

Acts 17:24-26. God that made the world Thus is demonstrated, even to reason, the one, true, good God; absolutely different from the creatures, from every part of the visible creation. Seeing he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands God hath no need of temples to dwell in, seeing he hath made the world, and is the Lord, or possessor, of the universe. Ye, therefore, greatly err in thinking, that by erecting magnificent temples and images, and by consecrating... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 17:27-28

Acts 17:27-28. That they should seek, &c. As if he had said, This most wise and free government of the nations of men, God carries on through all ages for this purpose, that they may be led to seek the Lord That is, to seek the knowledge, fear, and love of him; to seek his favour, his Spirit, and communion with him: if haply The way is open; God is ready to be found; but he will lay no force upon any man; they might feel after him Feeling is the lowest and grossest of all our... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Acts 17:16-34

Paul in Athens (17:16-34)Athens was in the province of Achaia, the southern part of present-day Greece. It was the chief centre of learning in the Roman Empire, a place where philosophy, religion and politics were taught and discussed freely. When some local philosophers heard Paul preaching in the public places of the city, they invited him to give an account of his religion to the council of philosophers known as the Areopagus. This was an ancient council that exercised control over those who... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:16-34

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:22-29

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:23-32

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:26

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 17:27

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 17:26

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 17:27

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 17:24-26

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 17:27-28

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Acts 17:16-34

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