Topical Encyclopedia
Mars, known as the Roman god of war, does not appear directly in the biblical text. However, understanding Mars and its cultural significance can provide insight into the Greco-Roman world that forms the backdrop of the New Testament. The planet Mars, visible to the naked eye, was named after this deity due to its reddish appearance, reminiscent of blood and warfare.
Cultural ContextIn Roman mythology, Mars was one of the most important deities, second only to Jupiter. He was associated with military power and was considered a father of the Roman people, as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were said to be his sons. The worship of Mars was deeply ingrained in Roman society, influencing their values and military endeavors.
Biblical References and ImplicationsWhile Mars as a deity is not mentioned in the Bible, the influence of Roman culture, including its pantheon of gods, is evident in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, often encountered cultures steeped in polytheism. For instance, in
Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, a place named after Ares, the Greek equivalent of Mars: "Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To an unknown god. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you."
Paul's approach to the Athenians reflects a broader strategy of engaging with the prevailing cultural and religious beliefs of the time, including those related to gods like Mars. By acknowledging their religiosity and redirecting it towards the worship of the one true God, Paul exemplified how early Christians navigated a world filled with diverse and often conflicting religious practices.
Symbolism and WarfareThe symbolism of Mars as a god of war can be contrasted with the biblical portrayal of spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:12 states, "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 passage highlights the Christian understanding of warfare as primarily spiritual rather than physical, emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than human might.
Astrological ConsiderationsIn ancient times, the movements of celestial bodies, including Mars, were often interpreted as omens or messages from the gods. Astrology was a common practice, and the positions of planets were thought to influence earthly events. The Bible, however, consistently warns against divination and astrology. In
Isaiah 47:13-14 , the prophet mocks the astrologers: "You are wearied by your many counselors; let them stand up and save you—those who divide the heavens and gaze at the stars, who predict by new moons what will happen to you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up."
ConclusionWhile Mars as a deity does not feature in the biblical narrative, understanding its role in Roman culture helps illuminate the context in which early Christians lived and spread the Gospel. The biblical worldview challenges the reliance on human strength and astrological predictions, pointing instead to faith in the sovereign God who created the heavens and the earth.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mars Hill
The Areopagus or rocky hill in Athens, north-west of the Acropolis, where the Athenian supreme tribunal and court of morals was held. From some part of this hill Paul delivered the address recorded inActs 17:22-31. (seeAREOPAGUS.)
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The god of war and husbandry.
2. (n.) One of the planets of the solar system, the fourth in order from the sun, or the next beyond the earth, having a diameter of about 4,200 miles, a period of 687 days, and a mean distance of 141,000,000 miles. It is conspicuous for the redness of its light.
3. (n.) The metallic element iron, the symbol of which / was the same as that of the planet Mars.
Greek
697. Areios Pagos -- "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a hill in...... Areopagus,
Mars' Hill. From Ares (the name of the Greek deity of war) and a derivative
of pegnumi; rock of Ares, a place in Athens -- Areopagus,
Mars' Hill.
...698. Areopagites -- a judge of the court of Areopagus
... Areopagite. From Areios Pagos; an Areopagite or member of the court held onMars'
Hill -- Areopagite. see GREEK Areios Pagos. (areopagites) -- 1 Occurrence....
Library
Of ??sculapius, Apollo,Mars, Castor and Pollux, and of Mercurius...
... Addressed to His Brother Pentadius. Chap. VIII."Of ??sculapius, Apollo,
Mars, Castor and Pollux, and of Mercurius and Bacchus....
Concerning the Offices of Mercury andMars.
... Book VII. Chapter 14."Concerning the Offices of Mercury andMars.... If, therefore,
Felicitas should give perpetual peace,Mars would have nothing to do....
The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field ofMars. ...
... CHAPTER 11 The dark was lifting as Vergilius entered the Field ofMars.?
The dark was lifting as Vergilius entered the Field ofMars....
Of the Life and Actions of ??sculapius, Apollo, Neptune,Mars...
... gods. Chap. X."Of the life and actions of ??sculapius, apollo, neptune,
mars, castor and pollux, mercury and bacchus. What other...
In the Matter of their Origins, as These are Somewhat Obscure and...
... Thereafter Romulus dedicated the Equiria toMars, though they claim the Consualia
too for Romulus, on the ground that he consecrated them to Consus, the god...
Astrological Lore.
... Book IX. Chapter XVII."Astrological Lore. "In short, whenMars, holding the centre
in his house, regards Saturn quarterly, with Mercury towards the centre...
Not Genesis, but Free-Will.
... "The Medes alone in all the world, with the greatest care, throw men still breathing
to be devoured by dogs; yet they have notMars with the Moon placed in...
What Varro Reports About the Term Areopagus, and About Deucalion's...
... majesty; and therefore he will not admit that the Areopagus, the place where the
Apostle Paul disputed with the Athenians, got this name becauseMars, who in...
Concerning Felicity, whom the Romans, who Venerate Many Gods, for...
... Why, therefore, did he appoint as gods for the Romans, Janus, Jove,Mars, Picus,
Faunus, Tibernus, Hercules, and others, if there were more of them?...
Impure Loves Ascribed to the Gods.
... "He raged, asMars, when brandishing his spear." [773]. Hush! Homer, a god never
rages.... "Mars,Mars, the bane of mortals, stained with blood;" [774]....
Thesaurus
Mars (2 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mars Hill.
... 3. (n.) The metallic element iron, the symbol
of which / was the same as that of the planet
Mars. Multi-Version Concordance
...Mars'
Mars'.Mars,Mars'. Marsena . Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaMARS' HILL.
marz hil. See AREOPAGUS.Mars,Mars'. Marsena . Reference Bible.
Mars-hill (1 Occurrence)
Mars-hill. Marshes,Mars-hill. Marshy . Multi-Version Concordance
Mars-hill (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood...
Areopagus (3 Occurrences)
... The Latin form of the Greek word rendered "Mars' hill." But it denotes also the
council or court of justice which met in the open air on the hill....
Marrying (7 Occurrences)
Astrology
... 239, "WhenMars (apin) approaches Scorpio the prince will die by a scorpion's sting
and his son after him will take the throne." It may be remarked that as the...
Nergal (3 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NERGAL. nar'-gal (nereghal): A Babylonian deity,
identified with the planetMars, and worshipped at Cutha (compare 2 Kings 17:30)....
Overmuch (16 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:22 And Paul got to his feet onMars' Hill and said, O men of Athens,
I see that you are overmuch given to fear of the gods. (BBE)....
Enlighten (8 Occurrences)
... Sinmars the intellectual discernment; "but he that is spiritual discerneth all
things" (1 Corinthians 2:15 King James Version, margin). MO Evans....
Resources
How should a Christian view the idea of Mars colonization? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened at Mars Hill in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAre there such things as aliens or UFOs? | GotQuestions.orgMars: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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