Paul's Preaching in Athens

A detailed Summary of Paul's Preaching in Athens

Before Paul went to Athens, he was in Berea preaching God's word. However, there were many furious Jews that were hunting down Paul, so he avoided them and went to Athens, waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him. While Paul was waiting in Athens, he talked to anyone that crossed paths with him.

Athens was known for it's magnificent buildings and many gods, as well as being the center for Greek culture, philosophy, and education. In addition, many philosophers and educated men were always ready to hear something new, and Paul was a good candidate for teaching something new.

In Acts (17:18, 19), Paul was invited to speak at the meeting of Areopagus, which met on a low hill in Athens near the acropolis (Life Application Bible, p.1995). The NIV Study Bible (p. 1683) suggests that Areopagus means "hill of Ares" (Ares was the Greek god of thunder and war).

The men who invited Paul to speak at the Areopagus were the dominating philosophers in Greek culture. They were called the Epicureans and Stoics. The Epicureans, according to Stephen L. Harris in the New Testament: A Student's Introduction (p. 29), believe that everything is entirely physical or material, and that the soul dies with the body. In addition, the Epicu

Paul first stated that he could see in every way that they (the Athenians) were very religious. I think that statement caused Paul to gain the respect of the audience because it was a compliment. Paul then said an altar saying "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD," caught his attention. The Athenians built this altar for fear of missing blessings or receiving punishment. Paul used the inscription as an entry for his witness to the one true God.

Beginning in verse 22, Paul preaches in the meeting of the Areopagus, using a very intriguing technique to gain the audience's attention/respect. Paul was well prepared to speak to the people. In fact, he had the training and knowledge to present his beliefs clearly and persuasively. In addition, Paul knew the Scriptures well because he had spent much of his life thinking and reasoning through them. Paul was a rabbi, taught by the finest scholar of his day, Gamaliel (Life Application Bible, p. 1996). Being equipped with the adequate tools, Paul was ready to present his views.

Some probably thought that Paul was not successful at Athens because he presented his beliefs and left (convincing a few people). However, in Paul's mind, one person being convinced was probably a success because there were many people that doubted Paul. In addition, Paul was fortunate enough not to be persecuted (hurt or killed) because he had been through many difficult situations when preaching the gospel.

Overall, it is intriguing to see how Paul attempted to persuade the educated men in Athens. Although there were many open minds in Athens, Paul had to be extremely bold when speaking of the resurrection because many thought resurrection of the dead was absurd. In addition, Paul could've easily feared being persecuted or rejected by the philosop

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Category: History