Who is the unknown god in Acts 17:23?

Answer

In Acts 17, Paul arrives in Athens, the stronghold of the many Greek gods. In that city was the Areopagus, or Mars Hill, where a council of civic leaders met. This council, also known as the Areopagus, was responsible for religious and educational affairs in Athens.

While in Athens, Paul was disturbed by the numerous idols he saw. As was his habit, he visited the synagogue and engaged in discussions with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. He also preached to those in the marketplace. It was during this time that he encountered the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who were always eager to explore something “new” to debate. The Epicureans followed Epicurus (341–270 BC), who taught that happiness was the ultimate aim in life. The Stoic philosophers traced their origins to Zeno (340–265 BC), who emphasized reason over emotion. Both Epicurus and Zeno believed in multiple gods.

Upon hearing Paul speak about Jesus, the philosophers invited him to the Areopagus and requested an explanation of this “new,” unfamiliar doctrine he was presenting. Standing in the midst of the Areopagus, Paul addressed the gathered crowd, acknowledging the Athenians’ deep religiosity evident in their numerous objects of worship. However, one altar in particular caught his eye. Inscribed on it were the words “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” In their ignorance, the Greeks had set up an altar to any deity they might have unintentionally overlooked in their pantheon. Paul skillfully seized upon this altar as an opportunity to introduce the one true God.

Since the Greeks were evidently unaware of the identity of this god, Paul clarified that this “unknown god” was the biblical God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who does not reside in man-made temples. Indeed, God is the Giver of life to all nations, and He is actually the One they were unknowingly searching for. Paul explained that God is close; in fact, “in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27-28). The Greeks, however, were unable to find the true God on their own, so God came searching for them. He calls all men to repent and accept Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and will judge the world in righteousness.

Paul’s mention of the resurrection brought a varied response from the philosophers. Some sneered outright. Others said they wanted to hear more from Paul «And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. », (Acts 17:32). Praise the Lord, some believed. One of the members of the Areopagus, named Dionysius, exercised faith in Christ, and several other Athenians also became Christians that day.

The “unknown God” desires to be known. That is why He has spoken to us through His Word; that is why He sent His Son into the world «All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. », (Luke 10:22). God can be known through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” «Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? », (John 14:9).