How does Acts 17:22 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? The Verses in View “Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.’” “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Paul’s Observation—Religiosity without Revelation • Athens overflowed with altars and statues; Paul’s opening remark spotlights spiritual hunger yet misplaced devotion. • “Very religious” acknowledges their zeal, but immediately hints at a critical deficiency: knowledge of the one true God (Acts 17:23). • The scene echoes Isaiah 44:13-20, where artisans fashion gods but cannot save. The First Commandment—Exclusive Allegiance • “No other gods” establishes God’s unrivaled sovereignty; He tolerates no rivals (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 42:8). • This command anchors the entire moral law; worship is to be singular, not plural or mixed. Direct Connection between Acts 17:22 and Exodus 20:3 1. Identifying the Problem – Athens: many gods, many shrines. – Sinai: prohibition of exactly that scenario. 2. Authority Confronts Culture – Paul, speaking by the Spirit, reaffirms God’s ancient demand: forsake idols, know the Creator (Acts 17:24-29). 3. Call to Repentance – Acts 17:30-31 transitions from observation to invitation—repent because God has appointed a Judge, Jesus. – Repentance equals turning from “other gods” to the living Lord, fulfilling the First Commandment. 4. Continuity of Revelation – Old Covenant law meets New Covenant proclamation; the moral imperative remains unchanged (Matthew 4:10; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6). Practical Lessons for Today • Religious activity minus true knowledge still breaks the First Commandment. • Modern “altars” (career, pleasure, self) mirror Athenian idols; God calls for undivided loyalty. • Evangelism follows Paul’s pattern: gracious recognition of spiritual interest, clear proclamation of the exclusive Lordship of Christ. Key Supporting Texts • Deuteronomy 4:35—“The LORD is God; there is no other.” • Isaiah 45:22—“Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.” • 1 John 5:21—“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” |
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