For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
Jerome claimed Paul used a holy trick, changing the plural inscription to singular to deceive the Athenians, but that makes no sense. The inscription was common knowledge; there was no room for subtlety. Paul changed the number because the matter required it: he proclaimed doctrine concerning one unknown god. He did not deceive but rather showed them their ignorance and purchased a hearing for truth.
AI summary
Paul's task here differs entirely from his preaching to Jews: they needed Christ proved by prophecy; these refined idolaters needed first to know there is one true Creator and God alone worthy of worship. He had to lay the foundation before he could build.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 17:22-31
Paul passed through Athens and observed their devotions, meaning their temples, altars, and the gods they revered. He spotted one altar inscribed to the unknown god, singular. The Athenians erected it out of fear: lest some foreign deity escape their notice, they built an altar to cover any god they had missed, proving their superstition exceeded all other nations.
AI summary