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Home , Acts 17

The Tuesday Afternoon Study - Acts 17 Continuing Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey

Here’s the handy map: https://kimberlinglutheran.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Lesson-17-Pauls-second-missionary-journey1.jpg

At the end of chapter 16, Paul, , Timothy, and now Luke leave and head south along the towards Thessalonica, another major city in Greece.

It’s been noted that very rarely in Acts do people travel to hear the gospel – in Acts, the gospel comes to them, brought by messengers. This shows God’s willingness to meet us where we are – the good news is meant to crash in on people’s lives, wherever we find ourselves. God’s Good News comes to people everywhere.

Read Acts 17: 1-9, in Thessalonica

1. Note that Paul spends 3 weeks speaking on why was the Messiah who came “to suffer and to rise from the dead.”

2. Some of the Jews are persuaded, but also a great many God-fearing Greeks, including “leading women.” Why do you think it is significant that Paul specifically points out the women?

3. Yet, a mob ensues, and while searching for Paul, they drag Jason and others to court. Note how the disciples are described as “those people who have been turning the world upside down.” Do you think this is positive or negative? I’ve always taken it as positive thing, but I don’t think they meant it that way!

4. Jason is a Greek name. Tradition counts Jason as one of the 70 disciples sent out by Jesus. He is only mentioned once again in the Bible - by Paul in Romans 16:21, as a relative of Paul. Perhaps that is why the mob was searching Jason’s house for Paul.

5. Note the charge against Paul: acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor (who is their king) by proclaiming Jesus as the true king. Fortunately, Jason and friends are able to post bail and are released.

6. Paul & Co are sent away at night (perhaps out of fear, perhaps as part of the arrangement of posting bail).

Read Acts 17: 10-15, in , about 60 miles west

1. Once again, they head to the , this time with better results. Note how the Beroeans are characterized: “more receptive, welcomed the message eagerly, examined the Scriptures...” For this reason (besides the alliteration) I’ve driven past many “Berean Baptist” churches. In what ways would you like to model your life after the Beroeans?

2. Many folks here come to believe, including many Greek folks of high standing. It is interesting to see the church attracting folks from various strata of society. I was taught by my mentor that the gospel is not just for the “down and out-ers;” it’s also for the “up and out-ers,” too. The gospel message of forgiveness and reconciliation is for all people.

2 3. Well, the ruffians from the mob in v. 5 follow Paul to Beroea and stir up trouble again, this time forcing Paul to leave town. Note that Silas and Timothy can remain behind. Paul heads to , a journey of about 250 more miles, probably via ship.

Acts 17: 16-34, Paul in Athens

1. As usual, Paul heads first to the synagogue, but now, he also heads somewhere else - to the Agora, the marketplace, to debate with philosophers there.

2. He is taken from there to the Aeropagus, the high court in Athens, to speak there. The literally meant the rock of Ares in the city and was a center of temples, cultural facilities, and a high court. Here we will see Paul give a famous speech, using an altar inscribed to “an unknown god” as a way to preach the God of Scripture, most perfectly revealed in Christ “by raising him from the dead.” Some scoff at this notion, and others believe, including 2 identified by name: Dionysus the Areopagite (thus a member of the high court) and a woman named Damaris. This is the only time they are mentioned in the Bible.

3. Paul’s famous speech is one of the 24 (or 28, depending on how you count) speeches in Acts. For centuries, most scholars have taught that the speeches are the major parts of Acts. (Yes, they are important). Now, I have found a scholar (Matthew Skinner) who agrees with me that the stories (the travels) are just as important! They teach us about the God who acts in power as the gospel is preached through faithful servants into the lives of real people. Please consider yourself a faithful servant, as well – consider how God has used your actions to spread the gospel in other people’s lives.

4. Paul has a peaceful stay in Athens (he wasn’t beaten up or thrown in jail) and gets to leave town on his own terms!

5. For all the glamour and culture of ancient Athens, it does not seem that Paul found great success there. His speech is famous, yet only a few converts are mentioned.

Next week, we see Paul heading on to , where more excitement awaits. It seems there is never a dull moment for Paul. And we get to travel with him. Keep it up, Bible Scholars! And strive to resolutely remain COVID-free!