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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/17.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Therefore since we are God&#8217s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. <a href="/nlt/acts/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. <a href="/esv/acts/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. <a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we ought not to consider the Divine Being to be like to gold or to silver or to stone, a graven thing of man's craft and imagination. <a href="/kjv/acts/17.htm">King James Bible</a> Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. <a href="/nkjv/acts/17.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. <a href="/nasb_/acts/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore, since we are the descendants of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by human skill and thought. <a href="/nasb/acts/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. <a href="/nasb77/acts/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. <a href="/lsb/acts/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the craft and thought of man. <a href="/amp/acts/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So then, being God’s children, we should not think that the Divine Nature (deity) is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination or skill of man. <a href="/csb/acts/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Since, then, we are God’s offspring, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination. <a href="/hcsb/acts/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Being God&#8217s offspring then, we shouldn&#8217t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination.&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. <a href="/cev/acts/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Since we are God's children, we must not think that he is like an idol made out of gold or silver or stone. He isn't like anything that humans have thought up and made. <a href="/erv/acts/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. <a href="/gwt/acts/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So if we are God's children, we shouldn't think that the divine being is like an image made from gold, silver, or stone, an image that is the product of human imagination and skill. <a href="/gnt/acts/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> Since we are God's children, we should not suppose that his nature is anything like an image of gold or silver or stone, shaped by human art and skill. <a href="/isv/acts/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> So if we are God's children, we shouldn't think that the divine being is like gold, silver, or stone, or is an image carved by humans using their own imagination and skill. <a href="/msb/acts/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man?s skill and imagination. <a href="/net/acts/17.htm">NET Bible</a> So since we are God's offspring, we should not think the deity is like gold or silver or stone, an image made by human skill and imagination. <a href="/nheb/acts/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by human art and design. <a href="/wbt/acts/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold, or silver, or stone graven by art and man's device. <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine that His nature resembles gold or silver or marble, or anything sculptured by the art and inventive faculty of man. <a href="/web/acts/17.htm">World English Bible</a> Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Being, therefore, offspring of God, we ought not to think the Godhead to be like to gold, or silver, or stone, [an] engraving of art and imagination of man; <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we ought not to consider the Divine Being to be like to gold or to silver or to stone, a graven thing of man's craft and imagination. <a href="/ylt/acts/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Being, therefore, offspring of God, we ought not to think the Godhead to be like to gold, or silver, or stone, graving of art and device of man; <a href="/slt/acts/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Being therefore the posterity of God, we ought not to think gold, or silver, or stone, an engraving of art, or meditation of man, the divinity to be like.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Being therefore the offspring of God, we must not suppose the divinity to be like unto gold, or silver, or stone, the graving of art, and device of man. <a href="/cpdv/acts/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, since we are of the family of God, we must not consider gold or silver or precious stones, or the engravings of art and of the imagination of man, to be a representation of what is Divine. <a href="/nabre/acts/17.htm">New American Bible</a> Since therefore we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the divinity is like an image fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now therefore, man, being of the family of God, is not bounden to worship resemblances made of gold or silver or stone shapen by the skill and knowledge of man into resemblances of the Deity. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Men, therefore, because our lineage is from God, we ought not to think that gold or silver or stone carved by the skill and knowledge of a man is like The Godhead.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Therefore, being the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhood is like gold, or silver, or stone, sculptured by art and the device of man. <a href="/godbey/acts/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then being the offspring of God, we ought not to think that divinity is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, the invention of art and the device of man. <a href="/haweis/acts/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to imagine that the Divinity is like to gold, or silver, or stone sculptured by human art or contrivance. <a href="/mace/acts/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a> since then we are the offspring of God, we should not imagine that the Deity bears any resemblance to the form which Gold, or Silver, or Stone has receiv'd from human art and industry. <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine that His nature resembles gold or silver or marble, or anything sculptured by the art and inventive faculty of man. <a href="/worrell/acts/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> "Being, therefore, God's offspring, we ought not to suppose that the God-head is like gold, or silver, or stone, graven by man's art and device! <a href="/worsley/acts/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to imagine that the Deity is like to gold, or silver, or stone, carved by the art and device of man. <a href="/parallel/acts/17-29.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5860" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Paul Before the Areopagus</a> …28‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ 29<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Therefore,</a> <a href="/greek/5225.htm" title="5225: hyparchontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).">being</a> <a href="/greek/1085.htm" title="1085: genos (N-NNS) -- Offspring, family, race, nation, kind. From ginomai; kin.">offspring</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/3784.htm" title="3784: opheilomen (V-PIA-1P) -- Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty.">we should</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3543.htm" title="3543: nomizein (V-PNA) -- From nomos; properly, to do by law, i.e. To accustom; by extension, to deem or regard.">think</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">that the</a> <a href="/greek/2304.htm" title="2304: Theion (Adj-ANS) -- Divine; subst: the Deity. From theos; godlike:divine, godhead.">Divine Being</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3664.htm" title="3664: homoion (Adj-ANS) -- Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.">like</a> <a href="/greek/5557.htm" title="5557: chrysō (N-DMS) -- Perhaps from the base of chraomai; gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin.">gold</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/696.htm" title="696: argyrō (N-DMS) -- Silver as a metal. From argos; silver.">silver</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/3037.htm" title="3037: lithō (N-DMS) -- A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.">stone,</a> <a href="/greek/5480.htm" title="5480: charagmati (N-DNS) -- Sculpture; engraving, a stamp, sign. From the same as charax; a scratch or etching, i.e. Stamp, or scupltured figure.">an image formed</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpou (N-GMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">by man’s</a> <a href="/greek/5078.htm" title="5078: technēs (N-GFS) -- Art, skill, trade, craft. From the base of tikto; art, i.e., a trade, or skill.">skill</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1761.htm" title="1761: enthymēseōs (N-GFS) -- Inward thought, reflection, plur: thoughts. From enthumeomai; deliberation.">imagination.</a> 30Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Romans 1:20-23</a> For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. / For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, ... <a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">Isaiah 40:18-20</a> To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him? / To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? / One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple. <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a> Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ... <a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4-5</a> You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Deuteronomy 4:15-19</a> So since you saw no form of any kind on the day the LORD spoke to you out of the fire at Horeb, be careful / that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female, / of any beast that is on the earth or bird that flies in the air, ... <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a> All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ... <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3-5</a> For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4-6</a> So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19-20</a> Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. <a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a> The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ... <a href="/isaiah/46-5.htm">Isaiah 46:5-7</a> To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike? / They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Habakkuk 2:18-19</a> What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. / Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” <a href="/1_kings/8-27.htm">1 Kings 8:27</a> But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. <a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a> God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For as much then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.we ought.<a href="/psalms/94-7.htm">Psalm 94:7-9</a> Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it… <a href="/psalms/106-20.htm">Psalm 106:20</a> Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.<a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a> Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands… graven.<a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4</a> Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:<a href="/exodus/32-4.htm">Exodus 32:4</a> And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.<a href="/isaiah/46-5.htm">Isaiah 46:5,6</a> To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/2-9.htm">Deity</a> <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Design</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-10.htm">Device</a> <a href="/luke/1-2.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/acts/7-50.htm">Form</a> <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Formed</a> <a href="/psalms/8-5.htm">Godhead</a> <a href="/acts/17-13.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/3-6.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Graven</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-9.htm">Graving</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Image</a> <a href="/luke/1-51.htm">Imagination</a> <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Imagine</a> <a href="/exodus/35-33.htm">Inventive</a> <a href="/songs/5-15.htm">Marble</a> <a href="/acts/14-15.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Representation</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-8.htm">Resembles</a> <a href="/acts/16-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-10.htm">Sculptured</a> <a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/daniel/9-22.htm">Skill</a> <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/acts/15-38.htm">Think</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/2-9.htm">Deity</a> <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Design</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Device</a> <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/acts/23-25.htm">Form</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Formed</a> <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Godhead</a> <a href="/acts/18-21.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Graven</a> <a href="/exodus/31-5.htm">Graving</a> <a href="/acts/19-35.htm">Image</a> <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Imagination</a> <a href="/romans/2-3.htm">Imagine</a> <a href="/exodus/35-33.htm">Inventive</a> <a href="/revelation/18-12.htm">Marble</a> <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/acts/19-36.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Representation</a> <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Resembles</a> <a href="/acts/22-22.htm">Right</a> <a href="/judges/3-19.htm">Sculptured</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/exodus/31-3.htm">Skill</a> <a href="/acts/19-35.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/acts/25-27.htm">Think</a> <a href="/acts/20-16.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 17</div>1. <a href="/acts/17-1.htm">Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,</a> 5. <a href="/acts/17-5.htm">and others persecute him.</a> 10. <a href="/acts/17-10.htm">He is sent to Berea, and preaches there.</a> 13. <a href="/acts/17-13.htm">Being persecuted by Jews from Thessalonica,</a> 16. <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown;</a> 32. <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Therefore, being offspring of God This phrase emphasizes the inherent relationship between humanity and God, suggesting that humans are created in the image of God (<a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a>). It reflects the biblical teaching that all people are God's creation and have intrinsic value. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where Israel is often referred to as God's children (<a href="/deuteronomy/14.htm">Deuteronomy 14:1</a>). The idea of being God's offspring also aligns with Paul's message in Athens, where he addresses a diverse audience familiar with Greek philosophy, which often spoke of humanity's divine origin.we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone Here, Paul challenges the prevalent idolatry of the time, where gods were often represented by physical idols made of precious materials. This echoes the Old Testament's condemnation of idol worship (<a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4-5</a>). The use of "gold or silver or stone" highlights the futility of equating the eternal, living God with inanimate objects. This teaching is consistent with the prophetic writings that denounce idols as powerless and man-made (<a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a>).an image formed by man’s skill and imagination This phrase critiques the human tendency to create gods in their own image, using their creativity and craftsmanship. It underscores the biblical theme that God is beyond human comprehension and cannot be contained or represented by physical forms (<a href="/acts/7-48.htm">Acts 7:48-50</a>). The reference to "skill and imagination" points to the cultural practices of the time, where artisans crafted idols, a practice seen in various ancient civilizations. This critique aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls for worship of the true God, who is spirit and truth (<a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The speaker in this passage, Paul is addressing the people of Athens at the Areopagus, a prominent rock outcropping located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. He is known for his missionary journeys and his role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. 2. <a href="/topical/a/athens.htm">Athens</a> A city known for its rich history in philosophy, art, and religion. At the time of Paul's visit, it was filled with idols and altars to various gods, reflecting the polytheistic beliefs of its inhabitants. 3. <a href="/topical/a/areopagus.htm">Areopagus</a> A council or court in Athens where matters of religion and philosophy were discussed. It was also the location where Paul delivered his sermon, addressing the Athenians' religious practices and beliefs. 4. <a href="/topical/g/greek_philosophers.htm">Greek Philosophers</a> The audience included Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who were interested in hearing new ideas and debating philosophical concepts. 5. <a href="/topical/i/idolatry.htm">Idolatry</a> The practice of worshiping idols or images, which was prevalent in Athens and is directly addressed by Paul in this passage.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_identity_in_god.htm">Understanding Our Identity in God</a> As "offspring of God," we are called to recognize our unique relationship with Him, which should influence how we perceive and worship Him. <a href="/topical/r/rejecting_idolatry.htm">Rejecting Idolatry</a> We must be vigilant against the temptation to create or rely on physical representations of God, understanding that He transcends all material forms. <a href="/topical/w/worship_in_spirit_and_truth.htm">Worship in Spirit and Truth</a> True worship involves a heart and mind aligned with God's will, not merely external rituals or symbols. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_human_imagination.htm">The Danger of Human Imagination</a> Our understanding of God should be based on His revelation through Scripture, not on human creativity or philosophical speculation. <a href="/topical/e/engaging_with_culture.htm">Engaging with Culture</a> Like Paul, we should engage with the culture around us, using wisdom and discernment to address misconceptions about God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 17</a> <a href="/q/how_do_sacred_objects_fit_with_acts_17_29.htm">Acts 17:29 – If God is beyond images and idols, how do Old Testament instructions for sacred objects not contradict Paul’s teaching here?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_tatian_of_adiabene.htm">Who was Tatian of Adiabene?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_second_commandment.htm">What does the second commandment state?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_greek_goddess_artemis.htm">Who is the Greek goddess Artemis?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God.--One consequence from the thought of son-ship is pressed home at once. If we are God's offspring our conception of Him should mount upward from what is highest in ourselves, from our moral and spiritual nature, instead of passing downward to that which, being the creature of our hands, is below us. Substantially asserting the same truth, the tone of St. Paul in speaking of idolatry is very different from that which we find in the older prophets (<a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm" title="And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleeps, and must be awaked.">1Kings 18:27</a>; <a href="/context/psalms/135-15.htm" title="The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.">Psalm 135:15-18</a>; <a href="/context/isaiah/44-9.htm" title="They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.">Isaiah 44:9-20</a>). He has, as it were, studied the genesis of idolatry, and instead of the burning language of scorn, and hatred, and derision, can speak of it, though not with tolerance, yet with pity, to those who are its victims.The Godhead.--The Greek term is neuter, and corresponds to the half-abstract, half-concrete forms of the "Divine Being," the "Deity."Gold, or silver, or stone.--The first word reminds us of the lavish use of gold in the colossal statue of Zeus by Phidias. Silver was less commonly used, but the shrines of Artemis at Ephesus (see Note on <a href="/acts/19-24.htm" title="For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen;">Acts 19:24</a>) supply an instance of it. "Stone" was the term commonly applied to the marble of Pentelicus, which was so lavishly employed in the sculpture and architecture of Athens.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 29. - Being then for forasmuch then as we are, A.V.; device of man for man's device, A.V. Graven by art, etc. In the Greek the substantive χαράγματα, graven images, things engraven, is in apposition with the gold, silver, and stone, and a further description of them. Art, τέχνη, is the manual skill, the device; ἐνθύμησις is the genius and mental power which plans the splendid temple, or exquisite sculpture, or the statue which is to receive the adoration of the idolater. Compare the withering sarcasm of Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-17</a>). <a href="/commentaries/acts/17-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. being ὑπάρχοντες (hyparchontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5225.htm">Strong's 5225: </a> To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb). offspring γένος (genos) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1085.htm">Strong's 1085: </a> Offspring, family, race, nation, kind. From ginomai; 'kin'. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. we should ὀφείλομεν (opheilomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3784.htm">Strong's 3784: </a> Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. think νομίζειν (nomizein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3543.htm">Strong's 3543: </a> From nomos; properly, to do by law, i.e. To accustom; by extension, to deem or regard. that the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Divine Being Θεῖον (Theion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2304.htm">Strong's 2304: </a> Divine; subst: the Deity. From theos; godlike: - divine, godhead. is εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. like ὅμοιον (homoion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar. gold χρυσῷ (chrysō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5557.htm">Strong's 5557: </a> Perhaps from the base of chraomai; gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. silver ἀργύρῳ (argyrō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_696.htm">Strong's 696: </a> Silver as a metal. From argos; silver. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. stone, λίθῳ (lithō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3037.htm">Strong's 3037: </a> A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone. an image formed χαράγματι (charagmati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5480.htm">Strong's 5480: </a> Sculpture; engraving, a stamp, sign. From the same as charax; a scratch or etching, i.e. Stamp, or scupltured figure. by man’s ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. skill τέχνης (technēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5078.htm">Strong's 5078: </a> Art, skill, trade, craft. From the base of tikto; art, i.e., a trade, or skill. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. imagination. ἐνθυμήσεως (enthymēseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1761.htm">Strong's 1761: </a> Inward thought, reflection, plur: thoughts. From enthumeomai; deliberation. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 17:29 Being then the offspring of God we (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/17-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 17:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 17:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/17-30.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 17:30"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 17:30" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>