For truly all men who had no perception of God were foolish by nature, and didn’t gain power to know him who exists from the good things that are seen. They didn’t recognize the architect from his works.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 1. Vain. Septuagint “foolish by nature, who are ignorant of God.” Bible.—In this and the three following chapters, the miseries of idolatry are described, to shew the value of wisdom and piety. Calmet.—Without the knowledge of God, all is darkness. 1 Corinthians 2:2. S. Just. dial.—Is. He who is, must be the most proper name of God. Exodus 3:14. Philosophers could perceive that all creatures had a beginning, and that there must be some first cause or God, whom some confessed, but did not honour as they ought. Romans 1. Worthington.—Could not. Inasmuch as they were vain. Bible.