The term appears a single time in the Greek New Testament, in Acts 17:23, where Paul addresses the men of Athens: “For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘To an unknown god.’ Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you” (Berean Standard Bible). In this setting βωμός denotes a pagan altar—distinct from the altars prescribed by the Law of Moses or referred to elsewhere in the New Testament by the more common term θυσιαστήριον.

Historical Background of Pagan Altars in Athens

Ancient writers record numerous altars scattered across Athens, many erected to placate deities whose identities were uncertain. Inscriptions such as “To unknown gods” are attested by Pausanias and Diogenes Laertius. These monuments reflected both the Athenians’ religious devotion and their apprehension of divine retribution should any god feel neglected. Paul’s observation aligns with archaeological and literary evidence of a city “full of idols” (Acts 17:16).

Theological Significance of the ‘Unknown God’ Altar

1. General Revelation: The altar acknowledges the Athenians’ awareness of a transcendent reality beyond their pantheon, paralleling Romans 1:19-20, where creation testifies to God’s existence.
2. Divine Self-Disclosure: Paul uses the altar as a bridge to proclaim the God who “does not live in temples made by human hands” (Acts 17:24) and who “commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).
3. Condemnation of Idolatry: The presence of countless βωμοί underscores the futility of man-made worship, a point Paul drives home by contrasting carved images with the living God (Acts 17:29).

Contrast with the Covenant Altar

Old Testament altars—whether of earth or uncut stone (Exodus 20:24-25) or bronze and gold within the tabernacle (Exodus 27:1-2; Exodus 30:1-3)—were divinely instituted for substitutionary sacrifice. The βωμός of Acts 17:23, by contrast, represents human conjecture and fear rather than revealed worship. Hebrews 13:10 reminds believers, “We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat,” directing attention to Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, the culmination of the typology foreshadowed in Old Testament altars.

Missiological Lessons from Paul’s Approach

• Cultural Observation: Paul begins with something familiar to his audience, showing respectful awareness without compromise.
• Scriptural Foundation: Though quoting Greek poets (Acts 17:28), he quickly grounds his message in the truth of creation, providence, and judgment.
• Christ-Centered Fulfillment: The sermon moves inexorably to the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31), demanding a response of repentance and faith.

Practical Ministry Application

1. Engage Culture Thoughtfully: Modern evangelism benefits from noticing contemporary “altars” (ideologies, entertainments, pursuits) and redirecting conversation toward the gospel.
2. Affirm Common Grace, Reject Syncretism: Like Paul, believers can acknowledge genuine spiritual longing while exposing the inadequacy of man-made faith systems.
3. Proclaim the Resurrected Lord: The hinge of Paul’s message—and any faithful witness—remains Jesus Christ risen and appointed Judge.

Related Scriptural Comparisons

Genesis 12:7; Genesis 22:9 – Early patriarchal altars expressing covenant faith.

1 Kings 18:30-39 – Elijah’s repaired altar contrasting the living God with Baal.

Isaiah 19:19-21 – Prophetic vision of an altar to the Lord in Egypt, signifying Gentile inclusion.

Hebrews 13:10-13 – The Christian altar realized in the sacrifice of Christ.

Revelation 6:9; Revelation 8:3 – Heavenly altars depicting ongoing worship and intercession.

Continued Relevance for the Church

The solitary New Testament occurrence of βωμός captures a timeless tension: humanity’s instinct to worship versus its ignorance of the true God apart from revelation. Paul’s use of a pagan altar to unveil the gospel furnishes the Church with a model of confident, Scripture-anchored engagement in every age and culture.