Dem unbekannten Gott

Denn als ich umherging und eure Heiligtümer besichtigte, fand ich auch einen Altar, auf dem geschrieben stand:
»Dem unbekannten Gott«.
Nun verkündige ich euch den, welchen ihr verehrt, ohne ihn zu kennen.

(Apostelgeschichte 17,23)

The above altar is located on Palatine Hill, Rome, where once stood the palaces of the Caesars. It dates from about 100 B.C. and has the inscription, ´To the unknown God.´

The apostle Paul saw just such an altar while waiting in Athens for Timothy and Silas to join him. He used the Athenians religious zeal to worship gods they don't even know the name of as a springboard for telling them about the TRUE God:

" Now while Paul waited for them (Timothy and Silas) at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry (e.g. statues, images or any object used as aid to worship false gods or the true God). Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

" Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans (followers of Epicurus. They taught that the highest aim of man was to seek a pleasant and smooth life.) and of the Stoicks (they taught that man's happiness consisted in bringing himself into harmony with the course of the universe.), encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

" Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill (the Areopagus or rocky hill in Athens where the Athenian supreme tribunal and court of morals was held), and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." (Acts 17:16-18, 22-23)

Scriptural References: Acts 17 (KJV Bible)

Sources Used: Easton's Bible Dictionary