Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
We ought not to think (ouk ofeilomen nomizein). It is a logical conclusion (oun, therefore) from the very language of Aratus and Cleanthes.
That the Godhead is like (to qeion einai omoion). Infinitive with accusative of general reference in indirect discourse. To qeion is strictly "the divine" nature like qeiothv (Romans 1:20) rather than like qeothv (Colossians 2:9). Paul may have used to qeion here to get back behind all their notions of various gods to the real nature of God. The Athenians may even have used the term themselves. After omoiov (like) the associative instrumental case is used as with xrusw, argurw, liqw.
Graven by art and device of man (xaragmati texnhv kai enqumhsewv anqrwpou). Apposition with preceding and so xaragmati in associative instrumental case. Literally, graven work or sculpture from xarassw, to engrave, old word, but here alone in N.T. outside of Revelation (the mark of the beast). Graven work of art (texnhv) or external craft, and of thought or device (enqumhsewv) or internal conception of man.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Acts 17:29:
Acts 14:15
Acts 19:26
Galatians 4:8
Hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 11:10
2 Peter 1:3
2 Peter 1:4
Revelation 13:16
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
