Page 79 - Acts Student Textbook

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farthest removed from reality (less likely).” Some responded; some did not (the mystery of the
gospel).
Athens Described

Athens (17:16-34): Renowned classical city of ancient Attica. Greatest period of glory in art,
literature, and philosophy during the years of Pericles (443-429 B.C.). Circular walls surrounded the
city: Acropolis in s. central, Areopagus hill to N.W., agora, the forum and marketplace to the north.
In Paul’s time a university center and gathering place for intellectuals but commercially reduced and
eclipsed by Corinth. Both cities in the senatorial province of Achaia, governed by a proconsul (18:12).
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“It was steeped in tradition, superstition and immorality.” “Full of idols” (17:16): temples/shrines
to Apollo, Athena (Parthenon), Erechtheus, Poseidon, Ares, Hephaestus among many others.

What was Paul’s Method of preaching to different groupings?

In 17:17, Paul was concerned with both Jews ("reasoning in the synagogue") and Gentiles, both those
attracted to Judaism (god-fearers) and those who were idolatrous pagans ("those who happened to
be present in the market place"). Paul addressed these various groups in different ways: to the Jews
and God-fearers he used the OT, but to the pagans he tried to find some common ground (cf. vv. 22-
31).

Areopagus Described

Stoic and Epicurean philosophers invite Paul to
address Areopagus (17:18-21). “Areopagus: lit.
“hill of Ares” (Gk. Ares = Roman Mars, god of
thunder and war); a rock promontory west of
Acropolis and south of Agora where in antiquity
the ruling council over the Athenian city-state
met and whence the council derived its name. In
1 century the council retained jurisdiction only in
st
the areas of morality and religion and met in the
Royal portico in N.W. corner of the agora.”
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Who were Paul’s hearers at the Areopagus?

Epicureans Founder, Epicurus (341-270 B.C.). Leading proponent: Latin poet Lucretius (97-53
B.C.). Completely materialist worldview; denied immortality of the soul. They held
that the gods were unconcerned with humans. Highest good is pleasure, freedom
from disturbing cares. "Enjoy life now" was their motto (a form of hedonism).
Weakest feature: knowledge is a matter of feeling, sensation only.
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40 Ibid (17: 11)
41 Ibid (17: 16)
42 Ibid (17: 18)
43 Charles K. Barret, New Testament Backgrounds: Selected Documents, 1956, (p.73-74)
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