Acts 17
BSB1 When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 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. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women. 5 The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they could 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, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!" 8 On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. 9 And they collected bond from Jason and the others, and then released them. 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. 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. 12 As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God in Berea, they went there themselves to incite and agitate the crowds. 14 The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea. 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. 16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day. 18 Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. 19 So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean." 21 Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas. 22 Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 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. 24 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. 25 Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. 30 Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For 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." 32 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." 33 At that, Paul left the Areopagus. 34 But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others who were with them.
Study Notes — Acts 17
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 17
- Themes from Acts 17
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 17
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts 17 begins with Paul and Silas's arrival in Thessalonica, where they preach the gospel in the synagogue, resulting in the conversion of some Jews and Gentiles. However, they face opposition and are forced to flee to Berea. In Berea, they again preach the gospel, with similar results. From there, Paul travels to Athens, where he is deeply troubled by the city's idolatry. He preaches the gospel in the synagogue and the marketplace, eventually being invited to address the philosophers at the Areopagus. There, Paul delivers a powerful apologetic for the Christian faith, emphasizing the reality of the one true God and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapter concludes with the varied responses to Paul's message, including the conversion of a few notable individuals.
Context for the Chapter
Acts 17 is situated within the broader narrative of the apostle Paul's second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 15:36-18:22. This chapter follows Paul's departure from Philippi and his travels through Thessalonica and Berea, before arriving in Athens. The events of Acts 17 are also set against the backdrop of the early Christian church's expansion into the Gentile world, as the gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem and the Jewish community.
Heart Application
This chapter challenges readers to consider their own response to the gospel, whether one of belief, indifference, or hostility. It also encourages believers to emulate Paul's courage and perseverance in sharing the gospel, even in the face of opposition or ridicule. Furthermore, Acts 17 underscores the importance of contextualizing the gospel message for different audiences, as Paul does at the Areopagus, to make it more accessible and compelling.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts 17 tells the story of the apostle Paul's journey to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, where he preaches the gospel and faces various reactions. In Athens, Paul gives a famous speech about the unknown God, explaining that God is the creator of the world and that Jesus is the risen Lord. This chapter shows that the gospel is for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, and that it has the power to change lives, as seen in Acts 17:4 and Acts 17:34.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere set of truths, but a living, burning, and glowing thing, which must be preached with the fire of the Holy Spirit.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The resurrection of Christ is the pledge of our resurrection, and the assurance that we shall rise again to eternal life.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Paul in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9) — Paul and Silas arrive in Thessalonica, preach in the synagogue, and face opposition, leading to their departure for Berea.
- Paul in Berea (Acts 17:10-15) — In Berea, Paul and Silas again preach the gospel, with a more positive response, but they are forced to flee to Athens due to persecution.
- Paul in Athens (Acts 17:16-21) — Paul is troubled by the idolatry in Athens and begins to preach the gospel in the synagogue and marketplace, leading to an invitation to address the Areopagus.
- Paul at the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-34) — Paul delivers a speech at the Areopagus, presenting the gospel in a way that engages with the philosophical and cultural context of his audience.
- The Response to Paul's Message (Acts 17:32-34) — The chapter concludes with the varied responses to Paul's message, including ridicule, interest, and conversion.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Acts 17 emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation, as Paul declares that God 'does not live in temples built by human hands' (Acts 17:24).
- The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
- The chapter highlights the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of Christian apologetics and the proof of God's power, as seen in Acts 17:31.
- The Universal Relevance of the Gospel
- Paul's message at the Areopagus underscores the universal relevance of the gospel, as he proclaims Jesus as the Lord of all, regardless of cultural or philosophical background.
- The Importance of Apologetics in Evangelism
- Paul's address at the Areopagus demonstrates the effective use of apologetics in evangelism, as he engages with the philosophical and cultural context of his audience to present the gospel in a compelling and relevant manner.
Lessons from Acts 17
- The Importance of Courage in Evangelism — Paul's example in Acts 17 demonstrates the need for courage and perseverance in sharing the gospel, even in the face of opposition or ridicule.
- The Power of Contextualization in Evangelism — Paul's address at the Areopagus shows the importance of contextualizing the gospel message for different audiences, in order to make it more accessible and compelling.
- The Centrality of the Resurrection in Christian Apologetics — The chapter highlights the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of Christian apologetics and the proof of God's power.
- The Universal Relevance of the Gospel — Paul's message at the Areopagus underscores the universal relevance of the gospel, as he proclaims Jesus as the Lord of all, regardless of cultural or philosophical background.
- The Importance of Prayer and Dependence on God in Evangelism — The chapter implies the importance of prayer and dependence on God in evangelism, as Paul seeks to share the gospel in a way that is both faithful to the message and sensitive to his audience.
Themes from Acts 17
- The Clash Between the Gospel and Idolatry — The chapter presents the gospel as a challenge to the dominant idolatrous practices of the ancient world, highlighting the distinction between the true God and false gods.
- The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives — Acts 17 demonstrates the power of the gospel to transform lives, as seen in the conversions of some Jews and Gentiles in Thessalonica and Berea.
- The Importance of Apologetics in Evangelism — Paul's address at the Areopagus shows the importance of apologetics in evangelism, as he engages with the philosophical and cultural context of his audience to present the gospel in a compelling and relevant manner.
- The Universal Relevance of the Gospel — The chapter underscores the universal relevance of the gospel, as Paul proclaims Jesus as the Lord of all, regardless of cultural or philosophical background.
- The Sovereignty of God in Salvation — Acts 17 emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation, including the process of salvation, as Paul declares that God 'does not live in temples built by human hands' (Acts 17:24).
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which you can share the gospel with those who may not be familiar with it, as Paul did in Athens?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on the sovereignty of God challenge or encourage you in your own faith?
- What are some common objections to the gospel that you have encountered, and how can you address them in a way that is both respectful and persuasive?
- In what ways can you, like Paul, seek to understand and engage with the cultural and philosophical context of those around you in order to share the gospel more effectively?
- What does the chapter's portrayal of the varied responses to the gospel suggest about the nature of faith and conversion?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Paul in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9)
| 17:1 | Paul and Silas arrive in Thessalonica and begin to preach the gospel in the synagogue. |
| 17:2 | Paul reasons with the Jews in the synagogue, explaining the gospel and its implications for their understanding of God and salvation. |
| 17:3 | Paul presents Jesus as the Messiah, highlighting His death and resurrection as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. |
| 17:4 | Some Jews and Gentiles believe, but others oppose Paul and Silas, leading to their departure for Berea. |
| 17:5 | The Jews in Thessalonica stir up opposition against Paul and Silas, forcing them to flee to Berea. |
| 17:6 | The crowd attacks the house of Jason, where Paul and Silas are staying, but they escape to Berea. |
| 17:7 | The accusation against Paul and Silas is that they are 'acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, Jesus'. |
| 17:8 | The crowd and the city officials are thrown into turmoil by the accusation, highlighting the political and social implications of the gospel. |
| 17:9 | Paul and Silas are forced to leave Thessalonica, but they continue to preach the gospel in Berea. |
2. Paul in Berea (Acts 17:10-15)
| 17:10 | Paul and Silas arrive in Berea and begin to preach the gospel in the synagogue. |
| 17:11 | The Bereans are more noble than the Thessalonians, receiving the word with eagerness and examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's message. |
| 17:12 | Many Bereans believe, including women of high standing and men, highlighting the gospel's appeal to a diverse audience. |
| 17:13 | The Jews from Thessalonica learn that Paul is preaching the gospel in Berea and stir up the crowd against him. |
| 17:14 | The brothers send Paul away to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remain in Berea. |
| 17:15 | Those who escorted Paul bring him to Athens and then return to Berea with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join Paul as soon as possible. |
3. Paul in Athens (Acts 17:16-21)
| 17:16 | While Paul is waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, he is troubled by the city's idolatry and begins to preach the gospel in the synagogue and marketplace. |
| 17:17 | Paul reasons with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue, as well as with anyone else who happens to be there. |
| 17:18 | Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers engage with Paul, criticizing his message as 'foreign' and 'strange'. |
| 17:19 | The philosophers bring Paul to the Areopagus, asking him to explain his message more fully. |
| 17:20 | The Athenians and foreigners residing in the city spend their time telling or hearing something new, and they are curious about Paul's message. |
| 17:21 | Paul's message is seen as a novelty, and the philosophers are eager to understand what he is saying. |
4. Paul at the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-34)
| 17:22 | Paul stands up in the Areopagus and begins to address the philosophers, praising their religiosity but criticizing their idolatry. |
| 17:23 | Paul notices an altar with the inscription 'To an unknown god' and uses it as a starting point to explain the gospel. |
| 17:24 | Paul declares that the God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. |
| 17:25 | Paul explains that God does not need anything from humanity, as He gives life and breath and everything else. |
| 17:26 | Paul asserts that God made every nation from one man, determining their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. |
| 17:27 | Paul explains that God did this so that people would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. |
| 17:28 | Paul quotes Greek poets to illustrate the idea that humanity is God's offspring, emphasizing the connection between God and humanity. |
| 17:29 | Paul argues that since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image made by human design and skill. |
| 17:30 | Paul explains that God has overlooked the times of ignorance, but now commands all people everywhere to repent. |
| 17:31 | Paul declares that God has set a day when He will judge the world with justice through the man He has appointed, and He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead. |
| 17:32 | When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this subject.' |
| 17:33 | At that point, Paul left the Areopagus, but some men became followers of Paul and believed. |
| 17:34 | Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, as well as a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Areopagus in ancient Athens?
The Areopagus was a hill in Athens where the city's high court met, and it was also a place where philosophers and intellectuals would gather to discuss various topics. Paul's address at the Areopagus was a significant event, as it allowed him to share the gospel with a influential and educated audience (Acts 17:16-34).
How did Paul's message at the Areopagus relate to the cultural and philosophical context of his audience?
Paul's message was tailored to the cultural and philosophical context of his audience, as he quoted Greek poets and referenced the altar to the unknown god. He used these references to explain the gospel and the nature of God in a way that was relevant and understandable to his audience (Acts 17:22-31).
What were some of the key elements of Paul's message at the Areopagus?
Paul's message emphasized the reality of the one true God, the futility of idolatry, and the importance of repentance. He also highlighted the resurrection of Jesus as the proof of God's power and the guarantee of future judgment (Acts 17:24-31).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 17:24 → Isaiah 40:18-25 | The concept of God not living in temples built by human hands is reminiscent of Isaiah's declaration that God is the creator of the universe and does not dwell in temples made by human hands. |
| 2 | Acts 17:26 → Genesis 11:1-9 | Paul's statement that God made every nation from one man echoes the biblical account of the tower of Babel, where God confused the language of humanity and scattered them across the earth. |
| 3 | Acts 17:28 → Psalm 82:6 | Paul's quote of the Greek poet Aratus, which states that 'we are His offspring,' is similar to the biblical declaration that humanity is made in God's image and is therefore His offspring (Psalm 82:6). |
| 4 | Acts 17:30 → Isaiah 55:6-7 | Paul's command to repent is reminiscent of the prophetic calls to repentance in the Old Testament, such as those found in Isaiah and Jeremiah. |
| 5 | Acts 17:31 → Romans 2:16 | The concept of God judging the world with justice through the man He has appointed is similar to the idea presented in Romans 2:16, where God judges humanity through Jesus Christ. |
| 6 | Acts 17:32 → 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 | The Athenians' reaction to the resurrection of the dead is similar to the Corinthian church's struggle with the concept of resurrection, which Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 15. |
| 7 | Acts 17:34 → John 1:12-13 | The conversion of Dionysius and Damaris is reminiscent of the biblical account of those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13). |
| 8 | Acts 17:16-34 → Matthew 28:18-20 | Paul's message at the Areopagus is an example of the Great Commission, where believers are called to make disciples of all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20). |
| 9 | Acts 17:24-25 → Psalm 19:1-6 | Paul's declaration that God is the creator of the universe and does not live in temples built by human hands is similar to the biblical account of God's creation and the declaration of His glory in the heavens (Psalm 19:1-6). |
| 10 | Acts 17:30-31 → 2 Peter 3:9 | The concept of God commanding all people to repent is reminiscent of the biblical declaration that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). |
Sermons on Acts 17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Revival on the Isle of Lewis by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in a parish. The revival began when four young girls, aged 16, prayed for their head |
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(People God Uses) 04 Knowing the Word of God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of running the race of serving the Lord Jesus Christ with all-out effort. He refers to the book of Acts, highlighting the powe |
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Repentance - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the importance of repentance in the message of salvation. He highlights the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepared the heart |
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A Spirit Hath Not Flesh and Bones by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of Easter, which is that by uniting with Jesus Christ, believers will miss out on nothing. He encourages the congregation to rel |
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Knowing Jesus by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the idea that many people have been "house trained" or "brainwashed" into thinking that once they make a decision to follow God and attend ch |
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A World of Idols by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that religion is often seen as a superficial and temporary experience. However, the speaker argues that true faith in Christianity is meant t |
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Free to Do by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting God as the ultimate authority in our lives. He compares the disciplined self to an aviator who mu |
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Great Commission by John Stott | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew, Luke, and John. The five aspects of the Great Commission, as summarized by Luke, are: proclamatio |
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Genesis #01 Ch. 1:1 Intro. - Universal Beginnings by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrasts and similarities between the book of Genesis and the book of Revelation. He uses a digital watch as a metaphor to illustrate the |
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Life Changing Message!!@! - His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the radical commitment to following Jesus, illustrated through personal stories of persecution, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. It highlights the importance |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 17
In Acts 17, we see the apostle Paul, a man of great zeal and courage for the gospel, preaching to the Jews and Gentiles in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. Despite facing opposition and persecution, Paul remains steadfast in his commitment to the gospel, demonstrating the importance of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. His message at the Areopagus is a powerful example of the importance of contextualizing the gospel for different audiences, as he engages with the philosophical and cultural context of the Athenians to present the gospel in a compelling and relevant manner. The chapter highlights the universal relevance of the gospel, as Paul proclaims Jesus as the Lord of all, regardless of cultural or philosophical background. Ultimately, the message of Acts 17 is one of hope and redemption, as it presents the gospel as the power of God for salvation to all who believe, and challenges readers to consider their own response to the gospel. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Paul's Courage in the Face of Opposition
Paul demonstrates remarkable courage and perseverance in the face of opposition, from the synagogue in Thessalonica to the philosophers in Athens. His commitment to the gospel remains unwavering, even when confronted with hostility or indifference.
The Variety of Responses to the Gospel
The chapter notes a range of responses to Paul's message, from conversion (Acts 17:4, 34) to ridicule (Acts 17:32). This diversity of response highlights the complexity of human reaction to the gospel and the sovereignty of God in salvation.
The Use of Apologetics in Evangelism
Paul's address at the Areopagus showcases the effective use of apologetics in evangelism, as he engages with the philosophical and cultural context of his audience to present the gospel in a compelling and relevant manner.