The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 17:23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The worship of faith.

"Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." Christianity aggressive. Insufficiency of all forms of religion apart from true knowledge. The true philanthropy of the missionary spirit.

I. THE WORLD'S IGNORANCE OF GOD INCONSISTENT WITH ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP OF HIM.

1. Athens the representation of the moral helplessness of men without revelation. Knowledge which is ignorance.

2. The practical view of the Divine character. Indifference to righteousness, vain trust in benevolence, mere sentiment of dependence.

II. THE FAITH OF THE CHRISTIAN THE TRUE BASIS OF RELIGION.

1. As a simple acceptance of Divine teaching.

2. As a growth of knowledge through experience and practical endeavor. "If any man will do his will," etc.

3. The actual fellowship of the spiritual life. Influence of the higher mind and larger soul upon the lower. Effect of loving self-sacrifice in opening the mind to larger views of the Divine character.

4. The opportunities of the world rightly used. Nature leading to God, not enslaving the soul. Culture lilting up the intellect and desires. "All things are ours."—R.

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