As we gather this week to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we are witnessing the rise of many who seem not to know or understand why this annual celebration is important. While historians record a few nations with aspirations similar to ours, none fully compare with it. The single most important objective, universal freedom and equality, is missing from all other governments that existed prior to the United States.

While the term “patriot” is not found until the 15th and 16th centuries, the concept developed over millennia. It finds its roots in the Greek term pater (“father”) and patris (“fatherland”) (Microsoft Copilot).

The term “citizen” (NASB) translates the Greek term politēs (four occurrences). Not surprisingly, given its origin, the root meaning is polis, a Greek city-state. This is where Luke locates Paul in his sermon on Mars Hill (Acts 17:16-31). When Paul entered Athens in about AD 51, 80 years had elapsed since the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. He was keenly aware of the importance of patriotism and citizenship to his audience.

Paul does not use the term “citizen” in Acts 17, but does later in Acts 21 & 22. In Lk 15:15, Jesus taught the parable of “the Prodigal Son.” The prodigal was in a country where he was not a citizen. The term occurs again in Lk 19:14, demonstrating the concept of being of one country but not of another was clearly defined by New Testament times.

Paul was building on the current foundation of citizenship among the nations when he preached his sermon on Mars Hill. The concept of universal freedom and equality took another 6 centuries to develop as a theological dogma by Pope Gregory the Great and 1,200 years more to become a political reality in the Declaration of Independence. (Microsoft Copilot)

When the New Testament was written, the world was in political, theological, and moral upheaval. Paul’s audience debated the philosophies underpinning human government. But one overarching principle was lacking: God’s superintendence over human government.

This concept from Paul was not new. Solomon, writing nearly a millennium before, wrote:

The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Prov 21:1)

What was lacking was belief in and an understanding of the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Christ Jesus. This was apparent from their idol dedicated TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. While generations and nations could claim ignorance of God, none will be excused from the guilt of ignoring Him and His revelation.

The debate continues to rage in our day. Paul concluded with this outstanding and abiding truth:

“Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)