. The city was full of idols, by William S. Plummer. Abominable idolatries, 1 Peter 4.3. Men never do a more vain and empty thing than when they make or serve an idol. It is as foolish and as unproductive of good as when one beats the air. Idolatry is both absurd and criminal.

Idolatry in all its forms is a sin so gross and expressive of so much folly and stupidity that it is bewildering that men could ever commit it. To inspired writers, it is a theme of just and severe ridicule. not the less pungent because a simple statement of its grossness is all that is required to show its absurdity.

Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear. Noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel. Feet, but cannot walk. They cannot make a sound with their throats. Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them. Psalm 115 428

In all this ridicule there is no caricature, no exaggeration. It is all fair, because it is simple truth. Yet, as absurd as idolatry is, there is no science, literature, philosophy, civilization, which can show its silliness so plainly as to banish it from among men.

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.