Homilist Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent: I. GOD'S FORBEARANCE IN EARLY DAYS — "The times" of this ignorance God winked at. This expression is pregnant with mysteries. It implies a holy God condoning sin, a just God overlooking iniquity. Before we can get at the proper explanation, it will be necessary to examine briefly two points — how God overlooked and why. 1. How God winked at the ignorance of the early inhabitants of the world. (1) He did not give them knowledge. He left them in their original state of ignorance. All knowledge and light must come from Him, the Father of lights. This was not the case with all, but it was the case with the greater portion of the world. (2) He did not punish their ignorance. The great heathen nations had been prosperous and eminent, They were seats of science and art and luxury. And such they were permitted to be. It was only when they came in contact with God's chosen nation that they were made examples of judgment. 2. Why God winked at this ignorance. (1) He desired to develop His plans and schemes for man's salvation. This was to be done through human instrumentality. This process had to be carried on among a simple, ignorant, and rebellious people, and generations and ages had to pass away before it was completed. (2) He permitted a proof to be given to all time, forever, of the utter abandonment of the human heart to evil and sin, and to show that no man would ever turn from his evil nature and sinful desires of his own accord. The ages of ignorance conclusively prove that no man by searching can find out God. Thus we see the principle of God's forbearance, which is so much better expressed by the words of the text — "winked at." God did not leave the old world in ignorance from mercy, but for the just execution of His purposes. II. GOD'S PRESENT COMMAND — "That all men, everywhere, should repent." The world went on its way until the advent of Christ. 1. The scheme of revelation was completed. 2. The season of discipline was ended. The law delivered to a chosen few was the discipline which had to be endured. 3. The work of salvation was completed. When Christ died, the top stone of the edifice was laid. Thus the consummation of all things having been attained, the way was opened for the universal application of religion. And then came forth the "command" that all men should believe. The sun began to arise, and the darkness was henceforth to be dispelled.And what was the result? A terrible change in the responsibility of man and the policy of God. 1. As to the responsibility of man. There is now no excuse for darkness or ignorance. If man does not hear and obey, the fault is his own. 2. As to the policy of God. He no longer winks at ignorance or evil. Having removed the cause, He no longer accepts the excuse. With Him now is stern, hard justice. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: |
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