Acts 17: Discipleship in action

Intro:

Good evening CBC. Please open your bibles to Acts 17 as we continue our study through the book of Acts.

For those of you who may not know me I am Josh Andrews, currently serving as an Elder here at CBC. I have been attending CBC since 2008, married to Jodi Andrews (Smith, I didnt realize how many were here when i started dating :) we have 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy. My occupation to provide for my family is a Project Executive for an Electrical contractor in West Michigan and we also own a smaller yet busy family farm and produce corn, soybeans and Rye.

before we jump into chapter 17 I want to recap some key historical, geographical, and theological points from chapter 16 to better prepare and set the stage as we read chapter 17. (what did Terry hit on?)

(SLIDE) Paul sets out on his 2nd missionary journey in the later part of chapter 15, meets a young man named Timothy in Lystra in chapter 16:1 and they set out passing through city’s delivering the decree’ s which had been decided by the apostles and Elders in Jerusalem to observe. These churches were being strengthened and growing.(vs.4-5).

In (vs.6-8) we see Paul has a plan to set course to Bithynia region, to go east. twice we see God through the work of the H.S not letting him proceed with that, he finally ends in Troas. Why would God not allow him? I’m sure he had a passion to go to those people and preach the good news? Have you ever thought of the ramifications if Paul would not have listened to God through the vision (vs9-10) to preach the gospel in Macedonia? Look at just the letters to the churches we see in scripture from the 2nd journey. Philippians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 &2 Corinthians!

Paul was at a junction: follow God or his own heart, his way! We have seen this pattern before throughout scripture. Jonah the prophet of God during the divided kingdom period was called to take the message of the One True God, declare judgement was coming and offer repentance to the Nation of Assyria and there capital city of Nineveh in 780 BC. We all know the story, Jonah did not want to deliver this message to his enemy, finally, stubbornly he makes it there. In contrast, do you know what other prophet went to Nineveh without grumbling? Nahum! around 650 BC, 130 years after Jonah, God calls Nahum to deliver a message of judgement on the nation that 130 years early had received the revelation of the one true God, repented and now in light of this revealed knowledge of the one true God were continuing to sin and were ripe for judgment because of her sins. Assyria had destroyed the Northern Kingdom Isreal and gave Judah much grief. As part of the Abrahamic covenant God would “curse” the nations that curse Isreal. (gen 12:3)

(SLIDE) Thankfully, Paul trusting in God, shifts his efforts to Macedonia and sets sail to Philippi by way of Samothrace and the Port city of Neapolis. We see in vs 14 a beautiful picture of the work of God in Salvation as a result of the word preached in Macedonia.

Acts 16:14 NASB95

14 A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.

The LORD OPENED her heart, to respond! what a beautiful picture of salvation by faith in believing the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Its God that does the work, and by faith man believes.

Passage:

Thessalonica and Berea: 1-15

(SLIDE) Lets stand as we read God’s word.

Acts 17:1–15 NASB95

1 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9 And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them. 10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.

Lets Pray: Father as we open your word this evening, open our hearts as well to let these truths transform our lives to be bold in the face of danger, criticism, and fear at times. As we study Pauls journey’s this evening may we take some practical applications away that we can use to minister, comfort and share the gospel with others you have drawn near to us. amen. please be seated.

(vs. 1) although short, probably spans about a week or more. the average person in this time period traveled about 20 miles a day walking at 3 mph. It was about 95 miles from Philippi to Thessalonica so a 4-5 day journey, not including the stops in Amphipolis and Apollonia.

(SLIDE- POINT #1) (vs. 2-4) As Paul’s custom he went to the Synagogue to reason with them from scripture about the evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, saying this Jesus whom i am proclaiming is the Christ (vs. 3). Some believed and follow.

The MacArthur Study Bible Chapter 13

Paul established the custom of preaching to the Jews first whenever he entered a new city (cf. v. 14, 42; 14:1; 17:1, 10, 17; 18:4, 19, 26; 19:8) because he had an open door, as a Jew, to speak and introduce the gospel. Also, if he preached to Gentiles first, the Jews would never have listened to him.

In Chapter 13: 44-47 in response to the Jews’ abuse and blasphemy, Paul and Barnabas asserted their new policy “To the Jews first, but also to the Gentiles”

As Paul and Barnabas saw it, the Jews of Pisidian Antioch in their exclusiveness had rejected the very thing they were looking for: “The Life of the Age to Come” i.e., “eternal life” . Now, however, the gospel must be directed to the Gentiles, for included in its mandate is the promise of Isaiah 49:6, that God’s servant will be “a light for the Gentiles” and a bringer of salvation “to the ends of the earth” (cf. Luke 2:28–32). It was, of course, Jesus of Nazareth who was uniquely God’s Servant and who was at work through his Spirit in the church, completing what he had begun and also making the missioners God’s servants and inheritors of the promise in Isaiah 49:6.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: John and Acts (Vol. 9, p. 430).

In a like manner, Do you have a desire for your fellow countrymen? Paul would seek them out. We have men know within our church that our seeking their countrymen, Santiago in Leon De Juda, Maja (majaliwa Donatie) in the Swahili ministry. Like Paul, When you look at your family, friends, co-workers, do you see a fellow countryman that needs to hear the gospel? to repent and believe? We can do a great deal of harvesting for the Lord within these boarders of the United States.

(SLIDE- POINT #2) when the gospel is presented opposition soon follows: (vs.5-9)

don’t be surprised if its your own countrymen, kinsman, friends that want to persecute you. (vs.5 JEWS)

don’t be surprised if the world hates you and distorts the truth. (vs.6-7) look at the Pagan’s description of a new believer in Christ. “these men who have upset the world have come here also” saying there is another King. Christians are to be good citizens, to live a quiet and tranquil life. this is very similar wording they used when they were trying to get Jesus crucified.

Paul and his team our send away by night to Berea about 50 miles west of Thessalonica at least a 2 day journey. (SLIDE-MAP). Its ok at times to retreat! Paul here and throughout his ministry did so. (vs.9-10,14-15)

danger/persecution will follow you to great lengths at times! (vs.13) they traveled 2 plus days to disrupt him!

Acts 17:13 NASB95

13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds.

(SLIDE)

Athens:16-32

Acts 17:16–32 NASB95

16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols. 17 So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. 18 And also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. Some were saying, “What would this idle babbler wish to say?” Others, “He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities,”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? 20 “For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean.” 21 (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.) 22 So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. 23 “For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 24 “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ 29 “Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. 30 “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.”

Paul is again sent away this time some 250 miles down to Athens (3-4 days by boat), leaving behind his ministry partners. As he waits for their arrival, his spirit is being provoked and again begins reasoning with the people of Athens. some of these people were Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers who ended up taking him to the Areopagus.

Epicureans. Those who followed the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epicurus (342–270 BC).The Epicureans were empiricists; they relied upon sense experience for knowledge.The Epicurean judged the value of an action or thing in terms of the pleasure or pain it brought, a position called hedonism. It was egoistic hedonism because the person sought his own pleasure rather than the pleasure of others.

Stoicism A philosophy attributed to Zeno (b. 334 bc). A unified theory of the cosmos involving physics, logic, and ethics.According to Stoic ideas, only a wise man could discern between true and false impressions (Long, Stoic Studies, 87), so only a wise man could align his reason and understanding with the universe and its logos

Areopagus (airʹee-ahpʹuh-guhs; Gk., ‘hill of Ares’), a low hill in Athens northwest of the acropolis. The hill had stone seats for the council that met there, the origins of which went back to the advisory council of Athenian kings. Though the council’s political power had declined by the fifth century b.c., it retained jurisdiction over cases of homicide.

(SLIDES) The Ancient city of Athens must have been a site to see. overwhelming at times and for most intimidating.these present day pictures show the acropolis (SLIDE 1-present day) (SLIDE 2- another view)

This is “ Mars hill” where Paul address The council. (SLIDES 3-present day view of hill) looking down from the Acropolis (meaning high-city).The Acropolis served as the citadel of ancient Athens, and it was a religious, cultural, and political center of the city.The Acropolis is home to several ancient structures, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. Other notable buildings on the Acropolis include the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea (the monumental gateway to the Acropolis) andThe Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The Parthenon is a specific ancient temple that stands on the Acropolis. It was built in the 5th century BCE and is considered one of the most iconic examples of ancient Greek architecture. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, who was the patron deity of Athens and the city's protector.

Paul grabs there attention as Isaiah did with “BEHOLD” and says “ Men of Athens, I observe you are religious people.. (vs.22-23)

Point #3(SLIDE). All of the Gospel must be preached to save men. It cannot be altered, watered down, or changed.

The true God who made the world and all in it, does not dwell in manmade structures.

he is not served by human hands, he gives to all people life and breath and all things.

HE made from one man every nation of mankind to live on the earth.

The time has come, ignorance is no longer an excuse. REPENT and believe!

a day and time is fixed for judgement in righteousness through Jesus.

proof of this man is given and that is the resurrection from the dead.

There was a commercial that aired during the super bowl about Jesus being love (true), washing the feet of sinners (true). but it ended with “he gets us”? what does that mean? he’s omniscient, of course he gets us, understands us and yes he loves us, John 3:16 tells us that: 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Jesus died for us! A good father loves his children, but it doesn't mean he would let them do whatever they want? He would correct, encourage, exhort his children to repent. it misses the point, it has been said that rat poison is 99% ingredients that wont kill you and only the 1% will. so is the same when the whole gospel is not presented, If people don’t realize they are sinners in need of a savior and need to repent, why need a savior?

POINT #4 (SLIDE) numbers don’t matter, souls do!

there are lots of religions out there today, many of which believe in Jesus. what they don’t believe in is the bodily resurrection of Jesus. (vs.32) the resurrection has been a stumbling block for so many? why? Paul says in Vs.31 it is for proof of who he is!

we know of no church being established in Athens after Paul leaves, some commentators have said Paul’s visit was not real successful, i disagree. To save one soul from eternal separation from God is cause for praise and celebration of God’s Grace, we see in vs.34 that at least 2 by name and others repented and believed.

Charles Spurgeon said “ wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” I believe this is a great quote to show how Paul used his wisdom of God’s word, his education in philosophy to wisely bridge the gap, present the whole gospel to a group of people that had spent their lives debating and telling stories of something new. the UKNOWN GOD was now known, They were now without excuse as Paul put it. to believe or reject.

Applications:

(SLIDE RECAP ALL POINTS)

Closing:

Lets Close in Prayer. Father, as we leave this evening, let us take hold of the sword of truth and pierce the hearts of men, our countrymen to repentance, to a new beginning, a new king that is everlasting, who cares for us and is returning soon. may we not squander our time left. in Jesus name, amen.

Doxology: