In the bustling streets of Thessalonica and the philosophical heart of Athens, Paul's message of hope creates waves of excitement - and some waves of trouble too.
The Reading: Acts 17
World English Bible1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.
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2 Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
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3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”
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4 Some of them were persuaded, and joined Paul and Silas, of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women.
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5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people.
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6 When they didn’t find them, they dragged Jason and certain brothers before the rulers of the city, crying, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
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7 whom Jason has received. These all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus!”
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8 The multitude and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things.
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9 When they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
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10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.
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11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
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12 Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men.
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13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Beroea also, they came there likewise, agitating the multitudes.
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14 Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there.
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15 But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.
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16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols.
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17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.
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18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.
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19 They took hold of him, and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by you?
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20 For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”
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21 Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
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22 Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.
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23 For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I announce to you.
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24 The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands,
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25 neither is he served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath, and all things.
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26 He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons, and the boundaries of their dwellings,
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27 that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
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28 ‘For in him we live, and move, and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’
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29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man.
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30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
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31 because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”
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32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, “We want to hear you again concerning this.”
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33 Thus Paul went out from among them.
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34 But certain men joined with him, and believed, among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Arrival in Thessalonica
After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul arrives in Thessalonica, where he heads straight to the local synagogue. For three Sabbaths, he passionately discusses the Scriptures, explaining how the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and confidently declares, 'This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.'
Mixed Reactions
Some people are persuaded by Paul's message and join his cause - both Jews and a large number of devout Greeks, including prominent women. However, not everyone is on board; a group of jealous Jews stirs up trouble, rallying some rowdy men from the marketplace to create chaos. They drag Paul's associate, Jason, before the city officials, claiming that these men are turning the world upside down and challenging the Roman authorities by speaking of Jesus as another king.
Beroea and Athens
After being released, Paul and Silas are sent away secretly by night to Beroea, where the locals are more open-minded. They eagerly examine the Scriptures and, as a result, many believe. However, the troublemakers from Thessalonica soon arrive, forcing Paul to escape again, this time to Athens.
The Philosophical Scene in Athens
While waiting for Silas and Timothy, Paul is struck by the multitude of idols in the city. He engages in conversations in the synagogue and the marketplace, drawing the attention of philosophers from different schools of thought. They bring him to the Areopagus, curious to hear about this new teaching of Jesus and the resurrection.
Paul's Address
Standing in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul notes the Athenians' religiousness and refers to an altar dedicated to an 'Unknown God.' He explains that the true God, who created everything, does not dwell in temples made by human hands. He urges the people to seek God, who is not far from any of us, and declares that God has set a day for judgment, confirmed by raising Jesus from the dead.
Reactions
While some mock him, others express interest, asking to hear more. Ultimately, a few individuals, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, believe his message, marking a successful outreach in Athens.
Why It Matters
The Power of Persistence
Paul's journey through Thessalonica and Athens teaches us the importance of persistence in sharing our beliefs. Even in the face of opposition and misunderstanding, he continues to engage with others, demonstrating that faith is often met with both acceptance and skepticism.
Engaging with Culture
In Athens, Paul strategically connects with the culture around him, using familiar references to communicate profound truths. This approach shows us the value of understanding our audience and speaking their language to share our faith effectively.
Seeking God
Paul encourages the Athenians to seek out the true God, who is accessible to everyone. This highlights the universal desire for connection with the divine that exists in all cultures and communities. If you're looking for a place to explore faith more deeply, consider finding a church near you where you can engage with others on this spiritual journey.
Embracing Curiosity
The diverse reactions to Paul's preaching remind us that curiosity can lead to deeper understanding. Whether we encounter believers or skeptics, engaging in conversations about faith can open doors to exploration and growth.
Coming Up Next: Acts 18
In the next part of the journey, Acts 18 takes us to Corinth, where Paul faces new challenges and finds unexpected allies. Will his message continue to resonate? Stay tuned!