Topical Encyclopedia Mars, known as the Roman god of war, does not appear directly in the biblical text. However, understanding Mars and its cultural significance can provide insight into the Greco-Roman world that forms the backdrop of the New Testament. The planet Mars, visible to the naked eye, was named after this deity due to its reddish appearance, reminiscent of blood and warfare.Cultural Context In Roman mythology, Mars was one of the most important deities, second only to Jupiter. He was associated with military power and was considered a father of the Roman people, as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were said to be his sons. The worship of Mars was deeply ingrained in Roman society, influencing their values and military endeavors. Biblical References and Implications While Mars as a deity is not mentioned in the Bible, the influence of Roman culture, including its pantheon of gods, is evident in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, often encountered cultures steeped in polytheism. For instance, in Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, a place named after Ares, the Greek equivalent of Mars: "Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To an unknown god. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you." Paul's approach to the Athenians reflects a broader strategy of engaging with the prevailing cultural and religious beliefs of the time, including those related to gods like Mars. By acknowledging their religiosity and redirecting it towards the worship of the one true God, Paul exemplified how early Christians navigated a world filled with diverse and often conflicting religious practices. Symbolism and Warfare The symbolism of Mars as a god of war can be contrasted with the biblical portrayal of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the Christian understanding of warfare as primarily spiritual rather than physical, emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than human might. Astrological Considerations In ancient times, the movements of celestial bodies, including Mars, were often interpreted as omens or messages from the gods. Astrology was a common practice, and the positions of planets were thought to influence earthly events. The Bible, however, consistently warns against divination and astrology. In Isaiah 47:13-14 , the prophet mocks the astrologers: "You are wearied by your many counselors; let them stand up and save you—those who divide the heavens and gaze at the stars, who predict by new moons what will happen to you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up." Conclusion While Mars as a deity does not feature in the biblical narrative, understanding its role in Roman culture helps illuminate the context in which early Christians lived and spread the Gospel. The biblical worldview challenges the reliance on human strength and astrological predictions, pointing instead to faith in the sovereign God who created the heavens and the earth. Easton's Bible Dictionary Mars HillThe Areopagus or rocky hill in Athens, north-west of the Acropolis, where the Athenian supreme tribunal and court of morals was held. From some part of this hill Paul delivered the address recorded in Acts 17:22-31. (see AREOPAGUS.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The god of war and husbandry.2. (n.) One of the planets of the solar system, the fourth in order from the sun, or the next beyond the earth, having a diameter of about 4,200 miles, a period of 687 days, and a mean distance of 141,000,000 miles. It is conspicuous for the redness of its light. 3. (n.) The metallic element iron, the symbol of which / was the same as that of the planet Mars. Greek 697. Areios Pagos -- "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a hill in ... ... Areopagus, Mars' Hill. From Ares (the name of the Greek deity of war) and a derivative of pegnumi; rock of Ares, a place in Athens -- Areopagus, Mars' Hill. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/697.htm - 6k 698. Areopagites -- a judge of the court of Areopagus Library Of ??sculapius, Apollo, Mars, Castor and Pollux, and of Mercurius ... Concerning the Offices of Mercury and Mars. The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ... Of the Life and Actions of ??sculapius, Apollo, Neptune, Mars ... In the Matter of their Origins, as These are Somewhat Obscure and ... Astrological Lore. Not Genesis, but Free-Will. What Varro Reports About the Term Areopagus, and About Deucalion's ... Concerning Felicity, whom the Romans, who Venerate Many Gods, for ... Impure Loves Ascribed to the Gods. Thesaurus Mars (2 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary Mars Hill. ... 3. (n.) The metallic element iron, the symbol of which / was the same as that of the planet Mars. Multi-Version Concordance ... /m/mars.htm - 7k Mars' Mars-hill (1 Occurrence) Areopagus (3 Occurrences) Marrying (7 Occurrences) Astrology Nergal (3 Occurrences) Overmuch (16 Occurrences) Enlighten (8 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view the idea of Mars colonization? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened at Mars Hill in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Are there such things as aliens or UFOs? | GotQuestions.org Mars: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mars (2 Occurrences)Acts 17:19 Acts 17:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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