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^16 “Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” ²¹ Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” (Acts 17:16-21)

After their initial remarks about Paul’s preaching and teaching, the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers took him and brought him to the Areopagus. They stated, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.”

The Areopagus was located on a hill northwest of the Acropolis in Athens overlooking the marketplace (Acts 17:19). “Areopagus” also refers to the Athenian council or court that met there. The irregular limestone outcropping was also known as Mars Hill, Mars being the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Ares.

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary explains that, “Paul was taken to the Areopagus after he had been reasoning with Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the Athenian synagogue and marketplace (agora) for several days (Acts 17:16–21). Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers involved in those discussions brought Paul before the council but evidently not for an official arraignment. Trials were held at the Areopagus; there, some five centuries earlier, Socrates had faced those who accused him of deprecating the Greek gods.”

It appears that Paul went before the council. The council met in order to supervise the city’s education, morals and religion and also to make sure that any new teachings did not pose a threat to the state. Therefore, Paul was compelled to present the Gospel so that the council might pass judgment upon it.

However, the people were also curious. Luke’s comment bears this out when he wrote, “Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:24).

As we will see, the overall tone of Paul’s address to the council does not suggest judicial proceedings. He spoke as an intelligent Christian who was able to converse with the intellectual Athenians on their own intellectual level (Acts 17:22–31).

More to come.

Soli deo Gloria!

^16 “Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” ²¹ Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” (Acts 17:16-21)

Upon engaging the Athenian crowds in the city’s marketplace, the Apostle Paul encountered some of the Greek Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. A brief summary of these two philosophical systems is appropriate.

Epicurious (342-270 B.C.) taught that the purpose of life was pleasure and freedom from pain, passions and fears. In effect, Epicureans believed in the motto, “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”   In other words, Epicureanism taught to enjoy life as much as possible because it will be over soon. How many modern Epicureans do you know?

In contrast, Cypriot Zeno (340-265 B.C.), the founder of Stoicism, taught living in harmony with nature and to depend upon reason and other self-sufficient abilities. The Stoics viewed God as a pantheistic “world-soul.” A Stoic is a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. They prize logic above emotions. E.g. Mr. Spock of Star Trek. How many Stoics do you know who never let anyone see them sweat?

The response by both Greek schools of philosophical thought to the Apostle Paul and the Gospel was contemptuous at worst and flippant at best. Some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” A babbler was an ignorant show-off. He was an ideological scavenger who, like a theological rummager or scrounger, collected scraps of knowledge and/or peddled various ideas.

Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.” Foreign divinities were devalued by the Athenian intellectual elite. That was their perspective of Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead, which is a shorthand term denoting the Gospel. The Athenians looked down upon the person and work of Christ.

Once again, who do you personally know who adheres to either of these ancient Greek philosophies? They may not even realize they do. It is how they live their lives. However, without the truth of the Gospel, their philosophy of life is ultimately meaningless.

Do not be distressed about the various philosophies within our current culture. Remember, our mission field is anyone outside of the Christian faith. Share the Gospel to any and all.

Soli deo Gloria!  

^16 “Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” ²¹ Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” (Acts 17:16-21)

The Tyndale Bible Commentary explains that, “The Christian message was first brought to Athens by the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey about ad 50. His only reference to Athens is in 1 Thessalonians 3:1, where he indicated that he and Timothy arrived in the city together but that shortly thereafter he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica while he remained alone in Athens.”

“Luke has provided a more complete account of Paul’s ministry there (Acts 17:16–34). His arrival in a city marked by many statues to the gods, which surpassed anything he had seen in other cities, provoked in him strong feelings against such rampant idolatry. Reared in the strict monotheism of Judaism, Paul apparently viewed Athens as the epitome of sin, and the cultural majesty of the city could not undo this impression.”

In arriving in Athens, the Apostle Paul did what he normally did when entering a city: he found a Jewish synagogue and began reasoning with Jews, and other devout persons who were Gentiles, from the Scriptures.  Additionally, he engaged in conversation with people he met in the marketplace. Paul went to the business center of town and spoke with not only those who selling, but also those who were buying. In effect, Paul went to the mall of his day and interacted with those he met. The market place was also where Athenian philosophers gathered to debate the latest ideas.

Do you take the opportunity to engage in spiritual conversation with people at work, in your neighborhood or when you’re shopping; at either a department, or grocery, store? We must make most of every opportunity the Lord gives us to proclaim His name and share the Gospel.

I Peter 3:15 says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”  

Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

^16 “Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” ²¹ Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” (Acts 17:16-21)

Athens, Greece was the intellectual and cultural epicenter of the first-century world. Paul would have been comfortable in this setting. He grew up in the educational center of Tarsus. The leading Jewish thinkers and scholars in Jerusalem had taught him as a young student. Although Athens was no longer the political and commercial center since Rome conquered it in 146 B.C., it remained in Paul’s day the center of art, literature and Greek philosophy.  

The Tyndale Bible Commentary explains that, “Athens began its rise to glory in the sixth century bc, first under the leadership of Solon (d. 559 bc), who established democratic forms of government, and later under Pericles (d. 429 bc), when the magnificent buildings of the Acropolis took form. In this golden age, Athens became the center of philosophy, art, architecture, and drama.”

“By the time Paul brought the Christian message to Athens (Acts 17:15–34), the city had only a portion of its former glory and prestige. Roman emperors continued to extend patronage by providing for new buildings and the restoration of the Agora (marketplace). Athens continued to be the home of the most prominent university in the Greek world. Both Epicurean and Stoic philosophy had worthy representatives in the city.”

However, Paul’s spirit (mind, emotions and will) was provoked within him as he travelled in the city. He was angered, irritated and distressed. Why? Paul saw that Athens was full of idols. The city was dominated with images to false gods. While Luke does not say exactly how many idols there were in the city, they dominated the city’s landscape.

It seems that our own country and cities today are also full of images to idols. Everywhere you look there are pictures and other depictions of people, places and things that are portrayed as worthy of honor, praise and/or worship. What examples come to your mind?

More to come at hiswortoday.org. Have a blessed day as you serve, honor and worship the one, true God of the Bible. May each of us adhere to the command found in I John 5:21: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

Soli deo Gloria!

^13 “But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. ¹⁴ Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. ¹⁵ Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.” (Acts 17:13–15)

Opponents to the Gospel do not allow any distance, or defense thereof, to deter them from their hatred for and their desire to stop the preaching of the Gospel at all costs. While Paul and Silas may have left Thessalonica in order to further their ministry in Berea, the unconverted Jews of Thessalonica would not have it. They were determined to stop Paul at any and all costs.

Having heard that God’s Word was being proclaimed in Berea by the Apostle Paul, certain unbelieving Thessalonian Jews arrived in order to agitate and stir up the crowds. In other words, the Thessalonian Jews wanted to start a riot and cause an uproar.

Like in Thessalonica, the brothers in Christ feared for Paul’s safety. They quickly sent him off to sea. However, Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.

Paul sailed to Athens. It was shortly after he arrived there that he sent for Silas and Timothy to join him. They immediately departed Berea in order to join their missionary leader. A great challenge awaited them.

It is clear from 1 Thessalonians 3:1–6 that Silas and Timothy did rejoin Paul at Athens. Eventually, Silas likewise would be appointed by Paul to leave Athens and then meet him at Corinth (cf. Acts 18:1–5).

Sharing the Gospel in a pagan culture is not easy. Opposition is bound to occur. It may be at work, school, or even within your home. Following the Apostle Paul’s example, let us resolve to be faithful to God’s call.

Soli deo Gloria!

^10 “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹ Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. ¹² Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.” (Acts 17:10–12)

What does it mean to be known as a Berean? I wonder how many churches in America have the title “Berean” in their name.

In the context of today’s passage, the City of Berea, known today as Verria, was located approximately 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Thessalonica and in the foothills of the Olympian Mountains. Rome conquered Berea in 168 bc. Berea was one of the most populated Macedonian cities in the time of Christ.

Following the riotous behavior in Thessalonica against the Gospel in general, and the Apostle Paul in particular, the Thessalonian Christians quickly sent Paul and Silas at night to the City of Berea. When the two of them arrived in Berea, they immediately went in to the Jewish synagogue.

The Berean Jews were much more receptive to the Gospel. Unlike the Thessalonian Jews, the Jews in Berea received the preaching by Paul with much eagerness. They would examine the Scriptures on a daily basis to verify what Paul and Silas were preaching.

The result was that many Jews were converted along with several Greek women and men. The truth of the Gospel was spreading in Macedonia.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “The Bereans gave Paul’s teaching an open hearing and compared it with God’s written Word. Because of their integrity and discernment, many of them came to faith in Jesus the Christ.”  

Like the Bereans, may each of us give every message were hear an open hearing and compare it with God’s Word. May our integrity and discernment be like the Berean’s.

Soli deo Gloria!

Why did Jesus Christ come to earth? Why was He born to a virgin named Mary?

In 2017, Dr. R. C. Sproul went home to be with the LORD. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., and first president of Reformation Bible College. He was author of more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, which for me personally is an annual read.

In the December 2005 issue of Ligonier Ministries’ Tabletalk Magazine, which addressed the subject of The First Advent, Dr. Sproul wrote an article entitled Born of the Virgin Mary. The following is an excerpt from that article.

“Along with the great theologian and philosopher Anselm of Canterbury we ask the question, Cur deus homo? Why the God-man? When we look at the biblical answer to that question, we see that the purpose behind the incarnation of Christ is to fulfill His work as God’s appointed Mediator. It is said in 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself ….” Now, the Bible speaks of many mediators with a small or lower case “m.” A mediator is an agent who stands between two parties who are estranged and in need of reconciliation. But when Paul writes to Timothy of a solitary Mediator, a single Mediator, with a capital “M,” he’s referring to that Mediator who is the supreme Intercessor between God and fallen humanity. This Mediator, Jesus Christ, is indeed the God-man.”

“In the early centuries of the church, with the office of mediator and the ministry of reconciliation in view, the church had to deal with heretical movements that would disturb the balance of this mediating character of Christ. Our one Mediator, who stands as an agent to reconcile God and man, is the One who participates both in deity and in humanity. In the gospel of John, we read that it was the eternal Logos, the Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us. It was the second person of the Trinity who took upon Himself a human nature to work out our redemption.”

“He is vere homo (truly human) and vere Deus (truly divine, or truly God). These two natures are united in the mystery of the incarnation, but it is important according to Christian orthodoxy that we understand the divine nature of Christ is fully God and the human nature is fully human. So this one person who had two natures, divine and human, was perfectly suited to be our Mediator between God and men.”

Have a blessed First Sunday of Advent as we worship the eternal God/Man: Jesus Christ. Fully God and fully man.

Soli deo Gloria!  

^6 “And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, ⁷ and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” ⁸ And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. ⁹ And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.” (Acts 17:6–9)

History can, and often does, repeats itself. Predicting the future can be as easy as studying the past in order to comprehend the present.

In the case of Paul, Silas and Timothy, what happened to them, directly and indirectly, in Philippi also occurred in Thessalonica. Opponents to the Gospel were not discreet or demure regarding their opposition. They dragged Jason, presumably Paul’s hospitable host, and some other Christians before the city magistrates. The Jews said, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, ⁷ and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”

There is a Yiddish Proverb which says, “A half-truth is a whole lie.” The Jews were speaking half-truths. True, the world was being turned upside down because of the Gospel. True, Paul, Silas and Timothy had indeed come to Thessalonica to preach the Gospel. True, Jason had received them. However, what was not true was that the missionaries were all acting against the decrees of Caesar. Jesus was not just another earthly king like Caesar. He is the King of kings because He is the eternal God (John 1:1-2). Human kings are mere mortal men.

The Jews got the results they wanted. Those who speak half-truths often do. The people of Thessalonica, along with the city authorities, were disturbed, riotous and greatly distressed. An interesting thing then occurred. Acts 17:9 says, “And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.”

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “The crowd and the politarchs were in turmoil (etaraxan, “agitated, disturbed, troubled”; cf. John 11:33; Acts 16:20) probably because they could not find Paul and Silas (17:6), the source of the city’s problem. Probably the bond-posting was to guarantee that Paul and Silas would leave town and not return. If more trouble arose, Jason and the others would lose their money. This may explain why Paul was prohibited from returning (1 Thess. 2:18). In spite of this, the Christians at Thessalonica kept on boldly proclaiming the gospel (1 Thess. 1:7–10; cf. 2:14–16).”

When people discover the whole truth contained in the Gospel, they no longer tolerate the half-truths of its opponents. What is true regarding the Gospel is also true with respect to the entire Word of God. Do not settle for the half-truths of the current contemporary culture, and its influence upon the church. Hold fast to the eternal truth of God’s Word (John 17:17).

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. ⁵ But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.” (Acts 17:4–5)

The Gospel provokes resections. It solicits a response. The reactions and responses to the Gospel may be negative or positive. We witness both responses to the Gospel in today’s text.

To begin with, there was the positive reaction to the Gospel by not only some of the Jews of Thessalonica, but also by a great many of the devout Greeks and a few of the leading women of the city. Luke recorded that the response to the Gospel by the Gentiles was much greater than by the Jews.

As was the case in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:45), certain non-converted Jews became jealous. They incited wicked and worthless men from the marketplace, who were loafers, loiterers and bums, and formed a mob. They proceeded to set the city in an uproar. In other words, they caused a riot to occur in the city. Sounds like America 2020.  You do not agree with someone, or something, and you start a riot.

The mob targeted the house of Jason. Apparently they did so believing that Paul was staying there while in Thessalonica. The purpose of pursuing Paul and his colleagues was to drag them out and receive the justice of the mob.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Luke evidently included this incident to reemphasize the continued Jewish rejection. Jason probably had provided lodging for Paul and Silas. The Jews were intent on finding Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. Thessalonica was a free city which meant it was sovereign in its local affairs, and not subject to provincial administration in such matters.”

 The uproar of the mob rule in Thessalonica mirrors the uproar we have witnessed in America during the latter part of 2020. People protest, peacefully and otherwise, but it appears that all that is accomplished is to express a rejection of any and all authority. Ultimately, the authority being rejected is God’s.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. ² And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³ explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” (Acts 17:1–3)

Notice that as Luke begins recording the events in the Apostle Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, the author again uses the third personal pronoun “they.” Apparently, Luke has left the team for unknown and unspecified reasons. However, Paul, Silas and Timothy continue the Second Missionary journey (Acts 17:4, 10, 14-15).

The three missionaries’ travel through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, apparently without stopping. They proceed to Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia.

Luke records that there was a Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica. Perhaps the preceding two cities did not have synagogues and Paul wanted to continue his practice of preaching first to the Jews.

The text seems to support this perspective in that Paul spent three weeks reasoning with the Jews from the Scriptures. The Scriptures Paul reasoned from would have been the Old Testament. He continued to explain and to prove that Jesus’ substitutionary atonement on the cross on behalf of sinners, and subsequent bodily resurrection, was absolutely necessary for the sinner’s justification. Paul indicated that the Old Testament Messiah was none other than Jesus of Nazareth.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “The Pauline Epistles suggest that Paul stayed in Thessalonica longer than three or four weeks (including the workdays before, between, and following three successive Sabbaths). According to Philippians 4:16, the church at Philippi sent him aid at least twice, and the Thessalonian Epistles indicate that Paul had been able to give extensive doctrinal instruction to the Christians there.”

What will be the result of such faithful labor? We will examine both the positive, and the negative, reactions to Paul’s, Silas’ and Timothy’s ministry when next we meet. It should not surprise us that the Gospel results in both great affirmation and great condemnation.

Soli deo Gloria!