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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Acts 17:29 - 17:29
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We ought not to think (ouk opheilomen nomizein). It is a logical conclusion (oun, therefore) from the very language of Aratus and Cleanthes.
That the Godhead is like (to theion einai homoion). Infinitive with accusative of general reference in indirect discourse. To theion is strictly “the divine” nature like theiotēs (Rom 1:20) rather than like theotēs (Col 2:9). Paul may have used to theion here to get back behind all their notions of various gods to the real nature of God. The Athenians may even have used the term themselves. After homoios (like) the associative instrumental case is used as with chrusōi, argurōi, lithōi.
Graven by art and device of man (charagmati technēs kai enthumēseōs anthrōpou). Apposition with preceding and so charagmati in associative instrumental case. Literally, graven work or sculpture from charassō, to engrave, old word, but here alone in N.T. outside of Revelation (the mark of the beast). Graven work of art (technēs) or external craft, and of thought or device (enthumēseōs) or internal conception of man.