Chapter
Verse

Acts 17:30

ESV The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
NIV In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
NASB So having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now proclaiming to mankind that all people everywhere are to repent,
CSB "Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent,
NLT God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.
KJV And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

What does Acts 17:30 mean?

Epicurean and Stoic philosophers have gathered at the Areopagus. This is a court where serious issues are discussed in Athens. The Greek philosophers pride themselves in discovering the truth about life. The Epicureans endeavor to find the balance between need and excess in all things. Stoics try to live according to the logos, the overarching law that governs creation; one of their four cardinal virtues is wisdom. Here, they have dragged the apostle Paul to hear him defend his preaching about Jesus.

Paul began his argument by comparing the altar "to the unknown god" with the God who created the world and the people in it. He points out that if this God is mighty enough to give humans life and movement, He can't possibly be reduced to an idol (Acts 17:22–29). To worship an idol as if it is the Creator is a sin of ignorance. Now that they understand it is wrong, the people need to repent or face judgment (Acts 17:31).

The idea that God overlooked times of ignorance is echoed in Romans 3:25. From the time of Moses to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, relationship to God was almost exclusively defined through the Mosaic law. Many confused those laws and rituals with the means of salvation, itself. With Christ, the times of ignorance—lack of understanding about God, His expectations, and salvation by grace through faith in Jesus—have ended. Now that the Athenians know the truth, they are responsible for it. They have done the best they can by trying to live according to what they know of the world (Romans 2:14–16). It's time for that knowledge to be redeemed and for them to see the truth. They can show that they understand this by repenting: rejecting their previous worldview and accepting God's.

The problem is, neither group believes in the resurrection of the dead and so they don't believe in a final judgment. Despite claiming to search for and live according to the truth of the cosmos, they deny God exists and some mock Paul as he walks away (Acts 17:32–33). Others request to hear more, while others do believe (Acts 17:32, 34).
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