Book of Acts - Chapter 17 - Verse 23

In this verse from Acts 17:23, the Apostle Paul is speaking to a group of Athenians who are known for their worship of many gods. As he is passing through the city, he notices an altar with the inscription "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD." This altar was set up by the Athenians as a way to cover all their bases and ensure they were not neglecting any deity. However, Paul takes this opportunity to introduce them to the one true God that they have been unknowingly worshiping. He explains that the God they have been searching for in ignorance is the God that he is proclaiming to them.

This verse serves as a reminder that there is only one true God, and all other gods are false idols. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are worshiping the one true God. It also highlights the importance of spreading the message of God to those who may be worshiping in ignorance, guiding them towards the true path of faith. Paul's encounter with the Athenians shows us the power of sharing the message of God with those who have not yet heard it, opening their hearts and minds to the truth.

In Acts 17:23, the Apostle Paul addresses the Athenians, who observed many gods, including an altar dedicated to an "Unknown God." The notion behind this altar was the acknowledgment of a higher power beyond their known deities. The word "Unknown" is translated from the Greek word "agnosto," which means "ignorant" or "unknowing." This indicates that the Athenians were worshiping a deity they did not fully understand. Paul uses this altar as a starting point to introduce the Athenians to the true God, whom they were inadvertently worshiping in their ignorance. This passage underscores the importance of recognizing and seeking to understand the true nature of God, rather than worshiping Him in ignorance. It serves as a reminder that God desires for us to know Him personally and worship Him in spirit and truth.