Page 81 - Acts Student Textbook

4. who is the only source of real life

B. He is in control of all human history
1. made all nations from one man
2. fixes the boundaries of the nations

C. He has placed in humans a desire to know Himself, and He is not hard to find

D. Sin has separated us from Him
1. he overlooked sins in times of ignorance
2. we must repent

E. He will judge His creation
1. there is a set day for judgement
2. judgement will occur through the Messiah
3. this Messiah has been raised from the dead to prove His person and work

How does Paul show God’s inclusive nature in His redemptive plan?

Notice the number of times in this sermon that Paul uses the inclusive "all" or phrases that parallel it:
"all respects" (v. 22); "all things"(v. 24); "all life and breath" (v. 25); "all things" (v. 25); "every nation"
(v. 26); "all the face of the earth"(v. 26); "each one of us" (v. 27); "we" - twice" (v. 28); "all
everywhere" (v. 30); "the world" -lit. The inhabited earth (v. 31); and "all men" (v. 31).

Paul's good news was that God loved all humans (i.e., made in His image, cf. Gen. 1:26-27) and has
provided a way for them to know Him (i.e., original purpose of creation was fellowship with God, cf.
Gen. 3:8) and be forgiven (i.e., from the effects of the fall, cf. Gen. 3).

What was the result of Paul’s preaching?

Luke in17:34 underscores that "some men joined him and believed, among whom also were
Dionysius." There are three possible responses to the gospel: First, rejection, "some began to sneer"
(v. 32). Second, delayed decision, "we shall hear you again concerning this (v. 32). Third, belief,
"some joined Paul and believed" (v. 34; 1 Thess. 1:9-10).

Interest takes us to "Dionysius the Areopagite" (17:34). He must have been a regular attender of
these philosophical discussions on Mars Hill. At least one intellectual became a believer. Eusebius,
says “he became the first bishop of Athens or Corinth.” If true, what a great transformation! The
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gospel is in the transformation business!

How does the Book of Acts help us understand some background matters of Thessalonica (1, 2
Thessalonians)?

The movements of the missionary band in Macedonia before and after arrival in Corinth can be
reconstructed and become a help in setting the time and place of writing: Timothy (and Luke)
remains at Philippi, then rejoins Paul and Silas at Berea (Acts 16:40; 17:4, 10, 14). Silas and Timothy
remain in Berea; Paul alone travels to Athens (Acts 17:14-15). Silas and Timothy rejoin Paul in Athens
at some point (1 Thess 3:1; cf. Acts 17:15). Timothy is sent back to Thessalonica (1 Thess 3:2); Silas is
perhaps sent back to Philippi (Acts 18:5). Paul relocates from Athens to Corinth and is rejoined there
by Silas and Timothy on their return from Macedonia (Acts 18:5; 1 Thess 3:6).

47 Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 3:4:6-7 and 4:23:6
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