By Jeffery M. Leonard, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biblical & Religious Studies, Samford University
JESUS SHARED
Acts 17:16–18, 22–23, 30–31
Paul’s second missionary journey was one that took him through the very heartland of Greece. Greece was not Paul’s original destination, however. His goal had been to head to Asia, but we read in Acts 16 first that he was “forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the Word in Asia” (v. 6), then that “the spirit of Jesus did not allow them” to go there (v. 7) and finally that a man from Macedonia appeared to Paul in a vision and pleaded, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us” (v. 9).
The apostle finally got the message and began a missionary campaign that led him through a roster of cities and regions familiar to every student of the Scriptures: Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth. It was in Athens that Paul had one of his most fascinating evangelistic moments.
Be sensitive to opportunities to share the gospel. (16–18)
Acts 17 tells us that Paul arrived in Athens ahead of his companions Silas and Timothy, and he immediately set about stirring up trouble in town. He debated with Jews in the synagogue and Epicureans and Stoics in the marketplace.
Anyone within earshot was bound to get an earful of Paul’s preaching. When word of Paul’s new message reached some of the leaders of the town, he was hauled in front of the Areopagus to give an account of his teaching.
The name “Areopagus” is Greek for “hill of Ares.” The King James Version translates the same place as “Mars Hill” because Mars was the Roman equivalent of the Greek deity Ares. The hill also lent its name to the council that met there — the very council that now demanded an appearance by Paul.
Find common ground for introducing the gospel. (22–23)
Paul’s response to the Athenian philosophers focused on the many idols Paul had seen in the city. Paul began, “People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect.” What is interesting about this opening line is that it contains a bit of a double entendre. The Greek term for “religious” used here can also mean “superstitious.”
Thus, while Paul might have been commending these sages for their religiosity, he was subtly criticizing them at the same time. Paul continued in the same vein as he commented on the famous altar dedicated “to an unknown god.” Here, Paul announced, “What you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.” One can just imagine how these men who prided themselves on their intellects must have taken this kind of address.
Help others understand the truth of the gospel. (30–31)
As Paul continued his address, he worked to show that his own criticisms of worshipping idols were echoed in the works of certain Greek philosophers too.
These philosophers recognized that God doesn’t live in houses made by human hands, nor does He rely on human hands to supply His needs. As certain Greek poets had said, “We live and move and have our being” in God, “for we are also his offspring.” Paul argued that by worshipping idols, the Athenian scholars were thinking great thoughts but worshipping silly gods.
In verses 30–31, he goes on to insist that while God may have overlooked such ignorance in the past, He “now commands all people everywhere to repent” and embrace the truth. There is only one God, and that God has sent His divine Son as humanity’s Judge.
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