◄ Acts 17 ►
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Summary The Character of the Bereans 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. Teaching Points Paul's Customary Approach As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures (Acts 17:2). Paul consistently used the Scriptures to explain and prove that Jesus is the Messiah, demonstrating the importance of grounding our message in God's Word. The Noble Bereans Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true (Acts 17:11). The Bereans exemplify a commendable attitude of eagerness and discernment in studying the Scriptures. Paul in Athens For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To an unknown god. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you (Acts 17:23). Paul skillfully connects with the Athenians by addressing their spiritual curiosity and pointing them to the true God. The Resurrection's Centrality When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this topic' (Acts 17:32). The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal truth that demands a response, whether of belief or rejection. Practical Applications Engage with Scripture Like Paul and the Bereans, prioritize studying and understanding the Bible to effectively share and defend your faith. Be Culturally Aware Observe and understand the beliefs and values of those around you to find common ground for sharing the Gospel. Proclaim the Resurrection Emphasize the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance of eternal life. Respond to Curiosity Be prepared to engage with those who express interest or skepticism about the Gospel, using their questions as opportunities for deeper discussion. People 1. Paul A prominent apostle and missionary, Paul is the central figure in Acts 17. He travels to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, preaching the gospel and reasoning with both Jews and Gentiles. His speeches and debates, especially at the Areopagus in Athens, are key highlights of this chapter. 2. Silas A companion of Paul, Silas accompanies him on his missionary journey. He is mentioned alongside Paul in Thessalonica and Berea, participating in the ministry and facing opposition from some of the local Jews. 3. Timothy Another companion of Paul, Timothy is present during the missionary activities in Berea. He is a young disciple who assists Paul and Silas in their work. 4. Jason A resident of Thessalonica, Jason provides hospitality to Paul and Silas. When a mob forms against Paul and Silas, Jason is dragged before the city officials and accused of harboring them. 5. Some of the Jews In Thessalonica, certain Jews oppose Paul and Silas, becoming envious and inciting a mob against them. This group is contrasted with the more noble-minded Jews in Berea. 6. The Bereans The Jews in Berea are described as more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica. They receive the message with eagerness and examine the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's teachings. 7. Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers In Athens, Paul encounters philosophers from these two schools of thought. They engage with Paul, curious about his teachings on Jesus and the resurrection. 8. Dionysius the Areopagite A member of the Areopagus council in Athens, Dionysius is one of the few who believe Paul's message and become a follower of Christ. 9. Damaris A woman in Athens who, along with Dionysius, believes in Paul's message and becomes a follower of Christ. 10. Others with them Referring to additional individuals in Athens who join Dionysius and Damaris in believing Paul's message. Places 1. Thessalonica Acts 17:1: "When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue." Thessalonica was a significant city in Macedonia, known for its strategic location and as a center of trade and politics. The presence of a Jewish synagogue indicates an established Jewish community. 2. Berea Acts 17:10: "As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue." Berea was a city in Macedonia, noted for its noble-minded inhabitants who examined the Scriptures diligently. The Greek term "εὐγενής" (eugenēs) is used to describe the Bereans as noble or open-minded. 3. Athens Acts 17:15: "Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible." Athens was a renowned city in Greece, famous for its philosophical heritage and as a center of learning and culture. Paul’s engagement with the Athenians highlights the city's intellectual atmosphere. 4. Areopagus Acts 17:19: "So they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, 'May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?'" The Areopagus, or Mars Hill, was a prominent rock outcropping in Athens, serving as a place for the council and philosophical discussions. The Greek term "Ἄρειος Πάγος" (Areios Pagos) refers to this location. Events 1. Paul and Silas in Thessalonica Paul and Silas travel through Amphipolis and Apollonia to Thessalonica, where there is a Jewish synagogue. Paul, as was his custom, goes into the synagogue and for three Sabbaths reasons with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. He declares, "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ" (Acts 17:3). 2. Response in Thessalonica Some of the Jews are persuaded and join Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. However, other Jews become jealous and, taking some wicked men from the marketplace, form a mob and set the city in an uproar. They attack Jason's house, seeking to bring Paul and Silas out to the crowd (Acts 17:4-5). 3. Accusations Against Paul and Silas Unable to find Paul and Silas, the mob drags Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus" (Acts 17:6-7). 4. Release of Jason and the Believers The city officials are troubled by these accusations, but after taking a security bond from Jason and the others, they release them (Acts 17:8-9). 5. Paul and Silas in Berea The brothers immediately send Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. Upon arrival, they go into the Jewish synagogue. The Bereans are more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, receiving the message with great eagerness and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings are true (Acts 17:10-11). 6. Response in Berea Many of the Bereans believe, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. However, when the Jews from Thessalonica learn that Paul is preaching the word of God in Berea, they come there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds (Acts 17:12-13). 7. Paul Sent to Athens The brothers immediately send Paul to the coast, while Silas and Timothy remain in Berea. Those who escort Paul bring him to Athens and then return with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible (Acts 17:14-15). 8. Paul in Athens While waiting for Silas and Timothy, Paul is deeply distressed to see that the city is full of idols. He reasons in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happen to be there (Acts 17:16-17). 9. Paul Addresses the Areopagus Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers begin to debate with him. They bring him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?" Paul stands up in the meeting of the Areopagus and delivers a speech, explaining the nature of God and calling them to repentance (Acts 17:18-31). 10. Mixed Reactions in Athens When they hear about the resurrection of the dead, some sneer, but others say, "We want to hear you again on this subject." At that, Paul leaves the Council. Some men join him and believe, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them (Acts 17:32-34). Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. Prayer Points Pray for a deeper hunger and understanding of God's Word, like the Bereans. Ask for wisdom and boldness to share the Gospel in diverse cultural settings. Pray for open hearts and minds to receive the message of the resurrection. Seek God's guidance in responding to questions and challenges about your faith. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. Paul and Silas in Thessalonica Paul and Silas travel to Thessalonica, where Paul reasons with the Jews in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Some Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks believe, but others become jealous and incite a mob against them. ^Key Verse:^ Acts 17:3 - "explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. 'This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,' he declared." 2. The Uproar in Thessalonica The jealous Jews form a mob and set the city in an uproar, attacking Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas. Unable to find them, they drag Jason and some other believers before the city officials, accusing them of defying Caesar's decrees by proclaiming Jesus as king. ^Key Verse:^ Acts 17:6-7 - "But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, 'These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus.'" 3. Paul and Silas in Berea Paul and Silas are sent to Berea, where they find a more noble character among the Jews. The Bereans receive the message with great eagerness and examine the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. Many of them believe, including prominent Greek women and men. ^Key Verse:^ Acts 17:11 - "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." 4. Paul in Athens Paul waits in Athens and is distressed by the city's idolatry. He debates with Jews and God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue and with others in the marketplace. Some philosophers bring him to the Areopagus to explain his teachings about Jesus and the resurrection. ^Key Verse:^ Acts 17:16 - "While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed to see that the city was full of idols." 5. Paul's Speech at the Areopagus Paul addresses the Areopagus, acknowledging their religiosity and introducing the "unknown god" they worship as the one true God who created the world. He explains that God does not dwell in temples made by hands and calls all people to repent, as He has set a day to judge the world by Jesus, whom He raised from the dead. ^Key Verse:^ Acts 17:24-25 - "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." 6. The Response to Paul's Message The response to Paul's message is mixed; some mock the resurrection, others express interest in hearing more, and a few become followers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris. ^Key Verse:^ Acts 17:32-34 - "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this topic.' At that, Paul left the Areopagus. But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them." Themes 1. Proclamation of the Gospel Acts 17:2-3 describes Paul's custom of reasoning from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. This theme highlights the importance of using Scripture to proclaim the Gospel message, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ. 2. Response to the Gospel In Acts 17:4, we see varied responses to the Gospel message: "Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women." This theme underscores the diverse reactions to the Gospel, from acceptance to opposition. 3. Opposition and Persecution Acts 17:5-9 details the opposition Paul and Silas faced, as some Jews became jealous and incited a mob. This theme reflects the reality of persecution that often accompanies the spread of the Gospel, a concept rooted in the Greek word "διώκω" (diōkō), meaning to pursue or persecute. 4. Noble Character of the Bereans Acts 17:11 highlights the Bereans' noble character: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." This theme emphasizes the importance of diligently studying Scripture to discern truth. 5. Engagement with Culture In Acts 17:16-23, Paul engages with the culture of Athens, addressing the philosophers at the Areopagus. This theme illustrates the necessity of understanding and interacting with cultural contexts to effectively communicate the Gospel, as Paul references their altar to an "unknown god." 6. God's Sovereignty and Creation Acts 17:24-26 speaks of God's sovereignty and role as Creator: "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands." This theme affirms the biblical doctrine of God's sovereignty over creation and history. 7. Call to Repentance Acts 17:30-31 emphasizes the call to repentance: "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent." This theme highlights the universal call to repentance in light of the coming judgment, rooted in the Greek word "μετανοέω" (metanoeō), meaning to change one's mind or repent. 8. Resurrection of the Dead Acts 17:31-32 focuses on the resurrection: "He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead." This theme underscores the centrality of the resurrection in Christian doctrine and its role as proof of future judgment. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions