Acts 17

Summary

 

Acts 17 portrays Paul's missionary efforts in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. The response varies in each location, with believers emerging despite opposition. The episode in Athens is notable for Paul's engagement with Greek philosophy and the cultural context, presenting the Gospel in a way that resonates with the Athenian audience.

 

1. Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9): Paul, Silas, and Timothy arrive in Thessalonica, where Paul reasons with the Jews in the synagogue for three Sabbaths. Some Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks and leading women believe, but jealous Jews incite a mob, forcing Paul and Silas to leave the city.
2. Berea (Acts 17:10-15): In Berea, Paul and Silas find a more receptive audience. The Bereans search the Scriptures daily to confirm Paul's teachings. However, opposition from Thessalonica follows them, and Paul departs for Athens while Silas and Timothy remain.
3. Athens (Acts 17:16-34): In Athens, Paul engages with the intellectual and philosophical culture. He speaks in the synagogue and the marketplace, leading to an invitation to the Areopagus, where he delivers a speech about the "unknown god." Paul preaches about the God who made the world and raised Jesus from the dead. While some mock, others express interest, and a few, including Dionysius and Damaris, believe.

 

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