Book of Acts - Chapter 17 - Verse 30

In this verse from the book of Acts, the phrase "And the times of this ignorance God winked at" refers to a period in which God overlooked the ignorance and sinfulness of humanity. During this time, God showed patience and mercy towards those who did not know Him or His ways. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, God now commands all people everywhere to repent. This means that God is calling upon all individuals to turn away from their sins, acknowledge Him as the one true God, and seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings. Repentance is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, as it signifies a genuine change of heart and a turning towards God. God's command to repent is a universal call that applies to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. It is a reminder that God desires all people to come to Him and experience the salvation and forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ.

When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. In Acts 17:30, Paul is preaching to the people of Athens, a city known for its idolatry and worship of various gods. The phrase "the times of this ignorance" refers to the period before the coming of Christ, when people were not fully aware of the truth of God's word. During this time, God did not hold them accountable for their ignorance, but now that the truth has been revealed through Jesus Christ, He commands all people to repent and turn away from their sinful ways. The word "ignorance" in this verse does not imply simple lack of knowledge, but rather willful ignorance or rejection of the truth. Therefore, the call to repentance is a call to acknowledge one's sinfulness and turn towards God in faith. This verse serves as a reminder of God's mercy and grace in giving people the opportunity to repent and be reconciled to Him.