Topical Encyclopedia Ares, in Greek mythology, is known as the god of war. While Ares himself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, his attributes and the cultural influence of Greek mythology can be seen in the context of the New Testament, particularly in the Hellenistic world in which the early Church was established. The presence of Greek deities and their associated practices often stood in contrast to the teachings of Christianity, which emphasized peace and the sovereignty of the one true God.Cultural Context and Influence The New Testament was written during a time when the Roman Empire, heavily influenced by Greek culture and religion, dominated the Mediterranean world. The city of Athens, a center of Greek philosophy and religion, is mentioned in the Book of Acts. The Apostle Paul visited Athens and observed the city's numerous idols, which would have included those dedicated to gods like Ares. In Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, a place named after Ares, highlighting their religiosity and introducing them to the "unknown god" they worshiped without knowledge. Biblical Themes and Contrasts The Bible often contrasts the characteristics of pagan gods with the nature of the God of Israel. Ares, as a god of war, embodies conflict and strife, which are antithetical to the peace and reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This teaching underscores the Christian call to pursue peace rather than war. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently uses the metaphor of spiritual warfare to describe the Christian life. In Ephesians 6:12 , he writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This spiritual battle is fought not with physical weapons but with the armor of God, emphasizing truth, righteousness, and faith (Ephesians 6:13-17). Idolatry and the Early Church The early Christians faced significant pressure to conform to the religious practices of their time, which included the worship of gods like Ares. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Corinthians, addresses the issue of idolatry and the participation in pagan rituals. In 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 , he warns, "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons." Conclusion While Ares is not a figure within the biblical narrative, the cultural and religious environment of the New Testament period was heavily influenced by Greek mythology and its pantheon of gods. The early Church's mission was to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in a world filled with competing religious ideologies, emphasizing the peace and salvation found in Christ alone. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARESa'-res, ar'-es (Ares = Arah (Ezra 2:5 Nehemiah 7:10)): 756 of the sons of Ares returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:10). Greek 697. Areios Pagos -- "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a hill in ... Areios Pagos. 696, 697. Areios Pagos. 698 . "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a hill in Athens. Part of Speech: Noun ... Word Origin from Ares (Ares, the Gr. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/697.htm - 6k 142. airo -- to raise, take up, lift Library Ambrose. The Opinions of the Philosophers Respecting God. Of the Expedition against the Persians. Heathen Arguments in Palliation of the Above: and -1 the Poets are ... Other Shameful Actions Ascribed to Heathen Deities. All Prove that ... The Apology of Aristides as it is Preserved in the History of ... Pagan Shrines and Temples. The Demons Sin among Mankind. Ridicule of the Statues Erected by the Greeks. Fresh Troubles Thesaurus Ares...ARES. a'-res, ar'-es (Ares = Arah (Ezra 2:5 Nehemiah 7:10)): 756 of the sons of Ares returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:10). ... /a/ares.htm - 6k Areopagus (3 Occurrences) Aretas (1 Occurrence) Greece (15 Occurrences) Ancient (64 Occurrences) Arius Areopolis Empire (8 Occurrences) Religion (23 Occurrences) Roman (26 Occurrences) Resources What happened at Mars Hill in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Areopagus? | GotQuestions.org How has Greek philosophy influenced Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Ares: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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