The word rendered idols here (ειδωλων) means, properly, an image designed to represent God. An image that is set up with a view to be acknowledged as representing God. The making of an image is forbidden in the prohibitions of idolatry, Exodus 20:4,5.(Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above,…) Ex 20:4 This would forbid all attempts to represent God by paintings or statuary; all idol-worship of Him; all images and pictures of God as objects of affection.

And who was it that said, “We ought not to think that the Godhead is graven by art and man’s device.”? It was Paul that made that statement.

We are told to flee from idolatry, and to keep ourselves from idols. Warned we are about making any graven image, the similitude of any figure, that is in heaven above,… or in the likeness of male…..Anything of our own device viewed to be acknowledged as representing God Himself! And what of those that do adore such images they have corrupted themselves.

Moreover, it is written,”Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.” Deut 27:15

Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves;
for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD
spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:
Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image,
the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female…
Deut 4:15-16

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,
or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or
that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Exodus 20:4

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1 John 5:21

To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Isaiah 40:18

So who is the image that has
come to represent Jesus Christ,
The only True God anyway?

The answer to the above question:
The image is that of Greek Mythology:
the false god called “Zeus” (Jupiter).

Zeus: The head of the Greek Olympian Pantheon mentioned in Acts 14:12.
“And they called Barnabas, Jupiter;…”(Jupiter: Greek Strong’s Number: 2203 Transliteration: Zeus: the supreme deity of the Greeks)
Zeus’ worship was still widespread in the New Testament times.
Zeus’ statue at Olympia was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
It is very clear that God detests man’s many devices which he has created to be acknowledged to represent God Himself.

Commentary by Marcus
Posted on: 8/8/2008 07:02 am