Understanding Paul’s Message About the One True God
Imagine someone standing in a city full of statues and shrines, speaking to a curious crowd about a God they don’t really know. That’s what Paul, one of the earliest Christian teachers, did in ancient Athens. He noticed an altar labeled, “To the Unknown God”—just in case the Athenians had missed worshipping a god they didn’t know about. Paul used this as a way to introduce them to the God he believed in: the God who made the world and everything in it.
Who Is This God?
Paul explained that the one true God created everything—the earth, the sky, and all living things. He’s not just a “local” god; he’s the Lord of heaven and earth, bigger than any temple or building people could ever construct. God isn’t made of gold or silver or carved from stone by human hands. He doesn’t need anything from us, because he’s the one who gives us everything: our life, our breath, and the world around us.
All People Are Connected
Paul said that God made all nations from “one blood”—in other words, we’re all family in some way, sharing a common humanity. God decided where people would live and when, giving us the whole earth as our home. Why did he do this? So that people would seek him, reach out, and maybe even discover a relationship with him. And, Paul added, God isn’t far away from anyone. In fact, it’s because of God that we’re alive and moving right now. As some of their own poets had said, “We are his offspring.” (Acts 17:26)
More Than Statues and Rituals
Since we’re made by God and are his children, it doesn’t make sense to think of God as something we could make with our own hands—like a statue or a charm. God isn’t a piece of art or a fancy object. He’s real, living, and personal. (Acts 17″29)
What Does God Want?
Paul said that, in the past, God was patient when people didn’t really know him and got caught up in making idols and statues. But now, God calls everyone, everywhere, to turn away from these things—to “repent,” which just means to change direction and start searching for him instead.
Why Does It Matter?
Paul explained that God has set a day when he will judge the world fairly, and he’s chosen someone for this task—a hint at Jesus, whom Paul said God raised from the dead. This idea of resurrection—rising from the dead—was new and surprising for many in the crowd. Some laughed, but others wanted to hear more, and a few believed Paul’s message and became his followers. (Acts 17:30-31)
The Unknown God—Made Known
Paul’s message was simple: The real God isn’t distant or hidden. He’s the creator who wants everyone to know him, not just through rituals, statues, or guessing games, but in a real, living relationship. Instead of being an “Unknown God,” Paul wanted people to realize that God is near each of us, waiting for us to seek and find him.
In Everyday Words:
- God made the world and everything in it.
- He doesn’t live in buildings or statues.
- We all come from the same source—God—and share this earth together.
- God wants us to seek him and promises he’s not far from anyone.
- We should turn away from fake gods and turn toward God himself.
- One day, God will judge the world fairly through someone he’s chosen (Matt. 25:31-46).
- The good news is, God wants to be known by everyone.
So, in a world full of distractions and ideas about what God might be, Paul’s message still speaks today: God isn’t far away or hidden. In fact, he’s closer than we might think—he’s the reason we’re alive, and he invites us all to know him personally.
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