Study #15 Chapter 17
Recap
In Last week’s reading, we explored some examples of how the Gospel opposes the powers of the world: greed, politics and spiritual influence. Paul and Silas freed a slave woman and were thrown in jail because a group of men profited from the woman’s enslavement, but this setback led to an incredible conversion of the prison guard and his whole family.
We continually see the Spirit powerfully at work in and through the church, and preparing the hearts of men and women to receive him.
Introduction
Today’s reading contains one of the most famous stories in all of the book of Acts, Paul preaching before the Areopagus in Athens. His sermon has become a model for how to preach and proclaim the gospel to those who have no connection to the scriptures or biblical tradition.
This story in Athens is the final story in a set of three; taken together, they are like concentric circles, each time the gospel is proclaimed to different groups of people, with less and less connection to Judaism, but profound conversion nonetheless. But after the gospel is proclaimed, and people come to faith, resistance and oppression come swiftly in response.
As we read this passage today, give special attention to Paul’s first and second sermons; what are the biggest differences, and what might that mean for us today?
Read Acts 17
(Remember - First read out loud, either one person reads the whole thing, or separate it by verses. After you read through the passage out loud, take a little bit of time to re-read it individually, noting and marking verses, words or phrases that stand out in the story.)
Three Quick Questions:
Is there anything that stands out to you as we read through the passage?
Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
Are there any other stories or passages in the Bible that Luke may be subtly referencing? Why is Luke connecting this story to that passage?
Diving Deeper
In verses 1,10 & 17, Paul enters each city in his usual fashion, he seeks out a local synagogue, and testifies to the Jewish men and women, what changes in verse 17, and why might this change have occurred?
In verse 16, we read that Paul was greatly distressed by seeing all the idols in Athens. Though we don’t have idols in the way Athens did, if Paul were to walk through our cities, what do you think he would see as the idols of our age?
In verses 22-31, Paul preached a sermon at the Areopagus. What is distinct about this sermon in comparison to the other sermons we have read throughout the book of Acts? (See 2:14–36, 7:1–53, 13:16–47)
What do we learn about God in his sermon?
What is new in this sermon?
What is lacking in his sermon?What might Paul’s Sermon teach us about how to share our faith with those who know nothing of God or the scriptures?
Benediction
Go from here as witnesses of what you have seen and heard.
Share God’s love with those you meet.
Bring hope to those who are in despair.
Live lives of gratitude and praise.
And may the love of God,
the peace of Jesus Christ,
and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit
be within you and among you until we meet again.
Amen.
