STORY / CONTEXT
We are still in Acts 17.
Last week:
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Paul was burdened by a city full of idols.
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We saw that lostness is learning everything but knowing nothing.
Now Paul stands at Mars Hill — the cultural and intellectual center of Athens.
He has been invited to explain this “new teaching.”
And what he does is remarkable:
He introduces them to the God they are searching for — but cannot see.
SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 17:22–23
Paul acknowledges their religiosity.
He references the altar: “To the unknown god.”
Then he says:
“What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”
Paul doesn’t attack first.
He clarifies.
He reveals.
He proclaims.
And what follows is one of the clearest theological summaries in Acts.
THE BIG IDEA
Paul presents Jesus as the one true and living God —
the CREATOR, RULER, SAVIOR, and JUDGE.
1. Jesus Is God the CREATOR
(Acts 17:24–25)
“The God who made the world and everything in it…”
God:
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Does not live in temples made by man.
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Is not served as though He needs anything.
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Gives life, breath, and everything.
God is not dependent on us.
We are dependent on Him.
Cross Reference:
Colossians 1:15–17
All things were created through Him and for Him.
He is before all things.
In Him all things hold together.
Application:
You don’t sustain God.
He sustains you.
He is not one more idol among many.
He is the source of all existence.
2. Jesus Is God the RULER
(Acts 17:26–29)
God:
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Determined nations.
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Set boundaries.
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Appointed times.
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Oversees history.
He is sovereign over geography, generations, and governments.
Cross References:
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Revelation 19:16 – King of kings and Lord of lords
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Matthew 28:18 – All authority in heaven and on earth
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Colossians 2:10 – Head of all rule and authority
Jesus is not a tribal deity.
He is not a regional god.
He is not a suggestion.
He is sovereign.
And because He rules, we cannot reduce Him to gold, silver, or stone.
3. Jesus Is God the SAVIOR
(Acts 17:30)
“God now commands all people everywhere to repent.”
The tone shifts here.
No longer curiosity.
Now urgency.
Repent = turn away.
God has been patient.
But now He commands repentance.
Cross References:
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Matthew 4:17 – “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.”
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Acts 3:19 – Repent and turn back.
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2 Peter 3:9 – God is patient, not wishing any to perish.
Salvation is not achieved.
It is received through repentance and faith.
The Creator.
The Ruler.
Now the Savior.
4. Jesus Is God the JUDGE
(Acts 17:31)
“He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world…”
History is not random.
Judgment is certain.
The resurrection guarantees it.
Cross Reference:
John 5:22–23
The Father has given all judgment to the Son.
The same Jesus who saves…
will judge.
No one escapes accountability.
You will either:
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Be judged in Christ (forgiven),
or -
Be judged by Christ (condemned).
The resurrection proves both His authority to save and His authority to judge.
RESPONSE (Acts 17:32–34)
Three reactions:
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Some mocked.
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Some wanted to hear more.
- Some believed.
That is still the response today.
SUMMARY
Paul reveals the “unknown god” as:
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Creator
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Ruler
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Savior
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Judge
The question is not whether Jesus is unknown to culture.
The question is:
Is He unknown to you?
Have you repented?
Have you trusted Him?
Are you worshipping the living God — or an idol that cannot save?
