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Acts 17:23

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

So I was walking around checking out all the ways you worship, and I came across this altar that literally said 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.' That God you've been worshipping without really knowing who he is? Let me tell you exactly who that is.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Paul found their 'unknown god' altar and said 'actually, I know that guy personally.'

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul visited Athens, a city renowned for its philosophy and idolatry, where people worshiped many gods. While walking through the city, he observed various altars and specifically one inscribed "To the Unknown God," which indicated the Athenians' desire to acknowledge any deity they might have missed to avoid offending the gods. Paul seized this cultural element as a strategic way to introduce the one true God of the Bible during his speech at the Areopagus.

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