Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens: The Gospel Meets Different Cultures

Acts 17 encapsulates the Gospel's ability to interact with diverse cultural contexts and intellectual traditions. Paul's approach, whether appealing to Scripture with Jews, engaging with the intellectual tradition in Athens, or encountering openness in Berea, shows a nuanced understanding of each culture. This chapter reminds us to engage thoughtfully with the world around us, using every opportunity to point people to the God they may unknowingly seek.

Verses 1-9: Thessalonica Rejects the Message

In Thessalonica, Paul persuades some Jews and God-fearing Greeks over three Sabbath days about Jesus being the Messiah. However, some Jews become jealous, form a mob, and cause an uproar in the city. Unable to find Paul and Silas, they drag Jason, who had been hosting them, before the city officials, accusing them of defying Caesar's decrees.

Verses 10-15: Noble Bereans Receive the Word

Escaping to Berea, Paul and Silas find the Bereans more open-minded, who receive the message eagerly and examine the Scriptures daily. Many believe, including Greek women of high standing and men. However, when the agitated Jews from Thessalonica learn of Paul preaching in Berea, they come and stir up trouble, causing Paul to leave for Athens.

Verses 16-34: Paul Addresses the Athenians

In Athens, Paul is distressed to see the city full of idols. He debates with Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and philosophers, eventually being brought to Mars Hill to explain his "new teaching." There, he speaks about their altar to an "Unknown God," explaining this is the God who made the world, doesn't live in man-made temples, and commands all people to repent for a coming day of judgment. Some mock him about the resurrection, but others, including Dionysius and Damaris, believe.

Acts 17 takes us on Paul's missionary journey through Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. As Paul brings the Gospel to different cultures, we see a range of responses—from violent opposition in Thessalonica to enthusiastic reception in Berea, and intellectual curiosity in Athens. In the midst of varied reactions, Paul exhibits a remarkable ability to connect with each culture, showing us that the Gospel message can resonate in every context.

Cultural Engagement
Persecution and Opposition
Intellectual Inquiry
Faith and Reason
The Unknown GodPaul's Ministry in Thessalonica
Paul and Silas in Berea
Paul at Mars Hill in Athens
The Athenian Altar to the Unknown GodPaul
Silas
Jason
Bereans
Athenians
Dionysius
DamarisThessalonica
Berea
Athens
Mars Hill

1. How does Paul’s approach in each city reflect his understanding of his audience?

2. How does the reaction in Thessalonica illustrate the threat that the Gospel message can pose to established systems of power and belief?

3. Why do you think the Bereans were more receptive to Paul's message than the Thessalonians?

4. How does Paul use the Athenian's religious practices as a starting point for his message?

5. How can Paul's sermon on Mars Hill guide us in explaining the Gospel to people with a different belief system?

6. What are some "altars to unknown gods" in today's society, and how can we address them in our conversations about faith?

7. How does Paul’s message challenge both Jewish and Greek views of God?

8. How can we be more like the Bereans in our approach to studying Scripture?

9. How can we maintain our faith and continue our mission when facing opposition, like Paul did in Thessalonica and Berea?

10. How does the Athenian response to the concept of resurrection reflect different cultural understandings of life and death?

11. In our diverse and pluralistic world, how can we adapt our approach to sharing the Gospel as Paul did?

12. How does the presence of Dionysius and Damaris among the believers reflect the reach of the Gospel across social and cultural barriers?

13. How can we constructively engage with intellectual criticism and mockery of our faith, as Paul did in Athens?

14. What does Paul's engagement with Greek philosophy tell us about the relationship between faith and reason?

15. What strategies can we use to engage in meaningful spiritual conversations with people from different cultural and intellectual backgrounds?

16. How can we discern when to move on from a place or situation, as Paul did with Thessalonica and Berea?

17. How does Acts 17 challenge our understanding of God's omnipresence and sovereignty?

18. How does Paul's speech on Mars Hill illustrate the balance between contextualizing the Gospel message and maintaining its core truth?

19. How can we identify and address misconceptions about Christianity in our own cultural contexts?

20. How does Paul's journey in Acts 17 inspire us to persist in sharing the Gospel, regardless of the varied responses we may encounter?