„Dumnezeu (...) nu locuiește în temple făcute de mâini”?! (FA 17, 24)
“God (...) does not dwell in temples made with hands”?! (Ac 17,24)

Summary/Abstract: This research addresses the Saint Paul's statement: “God (...) does not dwell in temples made by hands” – an assertion told in Athens, in front of idolatrous pagans. The approach of this assertion, from an exegetic perspective, shows how the meaning of this claim is complemented by the meaning of other passages of Sacred Scripture of both the Old and the New Testament. The literal meaning of the statement is evaluated in harmony with the philocalic understanding, especially of the Saint Maximus the Confessor, but also with the understanding of the other researchers of the Holy Scriptures.This consensus emphasize the unitary way in which is meant to be understood a worship place, both from the perspective of the exegesis of the biblical text and from the point of contemplation in the spirit of prayer. The present study shows that the Apostle Paul's percutaneous statement – “God does not dwell in temples made by hands” – does not eliminate the role of a worship place, but highlights the value of the Church and its significance as a “spiritual Temple”, where God lives and is worshiped.

• Details
• Contents