The biblical reference for the ACTS 17 Collective is the entire Chapter 17 of the Book of
Acts in the New Testament, specifically verses Acts 17:16–34, which describe the Apostle
Paul’s ministry in Athens.
The core of the chapter, and the probable thematic inspiration for the organization’s name, is
Paul’s famous speech on the Areopagus (Mars Hill), where he engages directly with Athenian
philosophers (Stoics and Epicureans) and their culture.
The most relevant section of the chapter begins with Acts 17:22–23:
“So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ’Men of Athens, I perceive
that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the
objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: To the
unknown god. What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'”
(ESV)
Significance to the ACTS 17 Collective
The ACTS 17 passage provides a model for the organization’s mission, which is
Acknowledging Christ in Technology and Society:
1. Cultural Engagement: Paul did not reject the Athenian culture outright; instead, he used
a monument they already respected (the altar to the ”unknown god”) as a starting point
to introduce the Christian God. This aligns with the Collective’s goal of engaging with the
prevailing culture of Silicon Valley (Technology and Society) rather than isolating from it.
2. Addressing the ”Unknown”: Paul proclaimed the God that the Athenians were
”ignorantly worshiping.” Similarly, the Collective seeks to show how Christ and Christian
principles are relevant to, and should be acknowledged in, the seemingly secular or
agnostic domains of modern technology and society.