Paragraph 17:24–28
17:24a–26d
Most Greek people would have been familiar with much of what Paul said here. Paul said these things so that the city council would know what he believed. He showed them that he spoke reasonably. He did not ridicule them or their beliefs.
17:24a
The God who made the world and everything in it: This phrase describes the one true God. The Greeks would have their own ideas about who this phrase referred to.
the world: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as world probably refers to the earth, sun, moon, planets, stars, and other things. For example:
the universe (God’s Word)
-or-
creation
But many English versions translate the Greek word as world.
everything in it: This phrase refers to plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, people, and other things. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
all things in and on it
-or-
all its contents
17:24b
is the Lord of heaven and earth: The Greek words are literally “this one, being Lord of heaven and earth.” It tells the reader more about God. For example:
being Lord of heaven and earth (Revised Standard Version)
Lord: This word means “the one in authority over others” or “master.” God rules over all things. See how you translated this word in 1:6 or 16:14.
heaven: Here the word heaven probably refers to the place where God lives. But it may include everything people can see in the sky as well.
17:24c
does not live in temples made by human hands: People built temples as places where they could worship their gods. Most Greek people would agree that their gods did not live in those temples. The same is true for the one true God. For example:
does not live in temples made by human hands (Good News Translation)
temples: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as temples refers to buildings where gods are worshiped. A Greek temple usually had a statue of the god and an altar. Some languages do not have a word for this meaning. If that is true in your language, explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
houses of/for worship
-or-
worship houses/places
made by human hands: The word hands refers to people building temples. In some languages it is more natural to refer to people instead of hands. For example:
made by humans (God’s Word)
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