Topical Encyclopedia Mars Hill, known in Greek as the Areopagus, is a significant location in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts. It is situated in Athens, Greece, and served as a prominent center for philosophical discourse and legal proceedings. The name "Areopagus" translates to "Hill of Ares," the Greek god of war, and it was traditionally associated with the council of elders that governed the city.Biblical Account The most notable biblical reference to Mars Hill is found in Acts 17:16-34. The Apostle Paul visits Athens during his second missionary journey and is deeply troubled by the city's idolatry. While waiting for his companions, Silas and Timothy, Paul engages with the local populace, including Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and philosophers from the Epicurean and Stoic schools. Paul's teachings attract the attention of the Athenians, who bring him to the Areopagus to explain his doctrine. Acts 17:19-20 states, "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? You are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.'" Paul's Sermon At Mars Hill, Paul delivers a profound sermon, addressing the Athenians' religious practices and introducing them to the "unknown god" they worshiped in ignorance. He begins by acknowledging their religiosity and then proclaims the nature of the one true God, who created the world and does not dwell in temples made by human hands. Acts 17:24-25 records, "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." Paul emphasizes God's transcendence and immanence, asserting that He is not far from any of us and that in Him "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). He calls the Athenians to repentance, declaring that God has appointed a day of judgment through a man He has raised from the dead, referring to Jesus Christ. Response and Impact The response to Paul's message at Mars Hill is mixed. Some mock him, particularly at the mention of the resurrection, while others express interest in hearing more. Acts 17:32-34 notes, "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, 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." Significance Mars Hill represents a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world. Paul's engagement with the intellectual elite of Athens demonstrates the early Christian mission's adaptability and the universality of its message. By addressing the cultural and philosophical context of his audience, Paul exemplifies the importance of contextualizing the Gospel while remaining faithful to its core truths. Mars Hill thus stands as a testament to the power of the Gospel to transcend cultural barriers and reach diverse audiences. Greek 697. Areios Pagos -- "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a hill in ... ... Areopagus, Mars' Hill. From Ares (the name of the Greek deity of war) and a derivative of pegnumi; rock of Ares, a place in Athens -- Areopagus, Mars' Hill. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/697.htm - 6k 698. Areopagites -- a judge of the court of Areopagus Library Athenagoras. Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the Beloved Physician. " Introductory Note to Clement of Alexandria A New Creation Acts 17:26 "One Blood. " Resurgam The Eternal Manhood Requiting God Acts xvii. 16, 17 Paul at Athens Thesaurus Mars-hill (1 Occurrence)Mars-hill. Marshes, Mars-hill. Marshy . Multi-Version Concordance Mars-hill (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood ... /m/mars-hill.htm - 6k Mars (2 Occurrences) Areopagus (3 Occurrences) Overmuch (16 Occurrences) Mars' Marshy (1 Occurrence) Marshes (2 Occurrences) Superstitious (1 Occurrence) Stoics (1 Occurrence) Midst (657 Occurrences) Resources What happened at Mars Hill in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Areopagus? | GotQuestions.org What is Stoicism? What did the Greek Stoics teach? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mars-hill (1 Occurrence)Acts 17:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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