When in Athens

When in Athens

Acts 17.22-34

Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this!” But some men joined him and believed…

Acts 17.32, 34a (NASB)

Introduction

Paul, while waiting in Athens, was not idly waiting for Silas and Timothy.

• Paul was active in the life of the city.
• Paul taught Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogues about Jesus.
• Paul taught about Jesus in the marketplace.

Paul’s spirit was provoked while he was in Athens.

What in our culture today provokes your spirit? What causes you to grieve? What do you see that motivates you to action?

Paul was invited to the Aeropagus to teach there.

• Paul engaged his hearers in relationship.

• Paul began to teach Jesus, but in ways the Athenian philosophers could understand.

Paul’s teaching experienced mixed results.

• Some philosophers SNEERED at Paul.

• Some philosophers were INTRIGUED and wanted to talk more.

• Other philosophers BELIEVED and JOINED Paul.

Paul’s encounter on Mars Hill speaks to our mission as followers of Jesus.

• We are to engage people in our culture and build relationships.
• We are to teach the gospel, without compromise, in culturally relevant ways.
• We should never despise those who are seeking, even if they are seeking ignorantly.

Conclusion