ETB Acts 17:22-34

Session 7 p.61 Believe

Is Jesus enough? Some people claim they must believe but also do good works in order to attain salvation. The problem with making works necessary for salvation is that it makes Jesus insufficient. (PSG, p. 64).

One author I read describes it as “diluting” His sacrifice with human efforts. Like adding ice to a soda over and over, eventually there is no soda left in the glass.

Discuss: Why do some people struggle to believe Jesus alone and faith alone is enough for salvation? Has this been a struggle for you? (p. 61)

Understand the Context

Following his usual model, Paul visited the local synagogue on the Sabbath. During the week, he went to the agora (marketplace) and discussed the Christian message with anyone present. This would include Stoic and Epicurean philosophers.

The agora discussions were both engaging and disturbing for the local philosophers. The group took Paul to the Areopagus to further explore this new teaching. The Areopagus was the name of the hill where minor offenses often were tried. The hill was also known by its Roman name, Mars Hill. There, Paul delivered a sermon that gives contemporary believers insight into reaching those who have no background or understanding of the Christian faith.

Paul’s ministry in Athens revealed a shift in the way he preached to Gentile audiences compared to Jewish audiences. When speaking to Jews, Paul referenced the Old Testament. Gentiles, like those in his Athens audience, would not relate to the Old Testament, so Paul used Greek elements to create common ground. His example offers some great insights for our generation, as we try to reach individuals who are unchurched and really don’t connect with a lot of our religious heritage, language, and traditions. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

Explore the Text

Acts 17:22–26 ESV

22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,

The Areopagus stood about four hundred feet above Athens and commanded a view of the market. It was backed up by the Acropolis. Its name was derived from Ares, the Greek god of war.

By Paul’s day, the term referred to both the geographic landmark and to the judicial body of Athens. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 697. Ἄρειος Πάγος Áreios Págos

Today the Supreme Court of Greece is called Áreios Págos.

Since this council also was known to meet in other places, it is possible Paul addressed them somewhere other than the hill. It also should be noted that Paul did not appear as a criminal. Instead, he was asked to explain his teachings. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

you are very religious

Word Studies in the New Testament Chapter 17

Paul would have been unlikely to begin his address with a charge which would have awakened the anger of his audience. What he means to say is, You are more divinity-fearing than the rest of the Greeks. This propensity to reverence the higher powers is a good thing in itself, only, as he shows them, it is misdirected, not rightly conscious of its object and aim. Paul proposes to guide the sentiment rightly by revealing him whom they ignorantly worship.

I observed the objects of your worship

I noticed that he did not use the word “idols” and the Greek word is different also. Could also be translated as “sacred” or “religious” objects which would fit the previous statement.

Ask: Why was Paul’s reference to the “Unknown God” an effective way to begin talking about the one true God? (p. 63)

It is very difficult to teach someone that believes they already know everything. Being able to reference this reminded them of their admission of the possibility of other gods, and becoming teachable about the One God of Israel.

The Unknown God Altar.

The New Bible Commentary 16:6–18:22 The Second Journey Becomes a Missionary Journey

Once, legend had it, there was a terrible plague in the city of Athens, and attempts to appease the gods and stop the plague had no effect. One of the wise men of the day brought a flock of sheep to the top of Mars Hill and released them. Wherever these sheep stopped, an altar was set up to an ‘anonymous god’ and the animal was sacrificed. This course of action was allegedly effective and the city returned to health.

On one hand, the worship of an unknown god defied logic. If the god was unknown, the Athenians had no hope of understanding its inherent character. Yet, it also demonstrated the fear that sits just below the surface of all idolatry. The Athenians were scared they might offend a god they did not know existed, so they built an altar just to be safe. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

This fear of offending a yet known god would also contribute to the prolific number of gods that are associated with such pantheon practices.

Several books pointed out that no such altar has been found, which casts a doubt on the validity of Paul’s statement. I think those writers have it backwards. Paul said there was one, so there was at least one and we just haven’t found any yet. There is plenty of evidence, like the legend I just read, to suggest the likely presence of such an altar. The Bible does not need archeology to prove its veracity.

What therefore you worship as unknown

CSB in quarterly and several other English translations have “what you worship in ignorance.” This has a negative connotation in modern English that is not there in the ancient Athenian mind. The ESV is closer to the Greek in that the same root word is used both for the inscription and in the worship, but in different forms. For the ancient, and some modern, intellectuals the first step in learning more about something is to admit one’s “ignorance” or lack of knowledge so that it can be overcome.

I proclaim to you

The Athenians did not know the Lord. But this gave Paul the transition he needed to move the Athenians toward a knowledge of the one, true God. The deity they were trying to worship as unknown is the very God who brought Paul into their midst. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 17

Paul explained the one true God to these educated men of Athens; although these men were, in general, very religious, they did not know God. Today we have a “Christian” society, but to most people, God is still unknown. We need to proclaim who he is and make clear what he did for everyone through his Son, Jesus Christ. We cannot assume that even religious people around us truly know Jesus or understand the importance of faith in him.

God who made the world and everything in it

The English word closer to the Greek one translated as “world” is cosmos. The meaning behind our English word would also fit the meaning and intent of Paul’s statement as well. He continues with the description in the next few phrases to emphasize God’s vastness and as a proof for verse 25. What God created He has authority and ultimate power over, so anything constrained to the physical limitations within it, He surpasses.

does not live in temples made by man

Simple logical conclusion based on the previous statement. The other gods of the Greek pantheon on controlled certain “realms” or aspects of creation, so they could be “contained.” Yet Yahweh is ruler over and maker of everything and is there “outside” of the created realms and could not logically be “constrained” to anything man could manufacture.

he himself gives to all

At the beginning of the speech Paul points to something they lack, now he points them toward the One who can provide all things. Repeatedly Paul emphasizes that this God, although first reveal to the Jewish people is not strictly “Jewish”. Unlike the “Greek” gods, or Roman, or Sumerian, Yahweh is for all humans everywhere.

every nation

When we hear “nation” we often think of political boundaries, but this word is more cultural. We get our word “ethnic” from this Greek word. Although political boundaries often form around ethnic groups, the diversity even within a people group is overcome, or in this case “made” by God. Jew and Greek, free and slave, citizen and foreigner, all were instigated by Father God.

allotted periods and the boundaries

The Greeks had a tremendous library and knew the history of many past civilizations. Paul alluding to these rises, falls, and conquerors gave a reference to God’s power and sovereignty over the individual lives as well as the nations.

Acts 17:27–29 ESV

27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ 29 Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.

Through creation, God began to reveal Himself to the humans He created (Rom 1:18-32). Theologians call this “general revelation.” We can know about God through His universe, but natural revelation is not enough. To communicate further with people, God sent prophets with His Word. In latter days, He spoke through His Son, Jesus (Heb. 1:1-3). This is called “special revelation.” [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

that they should seek God

This is the purpose of God giving anything to any of mankind, that they should seek Him.

God had a purpose for controlling people’s times and locations. The Lord had blessed humans through His provision so they would seek Him and find Him. The Greek wording indicates feeling one’s way, like groping in the dark. Paul preached that people could search for God and know him, but their lack of salvation would prevent them from accomplishing their task.

Paul’s message about seeking God focused on three elements. First, people should feel their way toward God. Pagan idols feel nothing when touched, but God is moved when people reach out to Him, even blindly. Second, people cannot find God without His help. Third, people cannot reach God apart from Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Without Him, we are blind. Through Him, we find that God is not far from any of us. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

feel their way toward Him

The New Bible Commentary 16:6–18:22 The Second Journey Becomes a Missionary Journey

A more literal translation of this passage might thus be: ‘they should seek after God, as if perhaps they might grope around to find him, even though he is not far from each of us.’

Paul uses imagery that suggests someone groping about in the dark, linking the concept back to their “unknown” state in reference to Yahweh who wants them to find Him. All the language in this verse shows that the decision to seek and attempt to know God is up to the individual and although God has initiated the contact, He will not force His presence into a person’s life.

we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone

Continuing to make logical arguments here a correlation between the maker and the made is suggested. If we are “God’s offspring” whether they believe it is the God of Israel or one of their own, we would be a “lesser” form of that God. Therefore, anything that a “man” would make would be a lesser form of it. We therefore cannot make a ‘god’ who is greater through art or imagination. Representations, possibly, but nothing worthy of worship or devotion.

Acts 17:30–34 ESV

30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

The times of ignorance God overlooked

Not ignored, not forgave, but also not held accountable for either.

The New Bible Commentary 16:6–18:22 The Second Journey Becomes a Missionary Journey

Faced with a man who argued that all these precautions were in error and therefore presumably ineffective, any good pagan would have demanded, ‘If we are so wrong, then why is there no catastrophe, no plague?’ It is this question to which the speech responds. That there was no catastrophe was not due, as they thought, to the effectiveness of their idol-worship, but rather to God’s mercy in overlooking their ignorance (note the return to the theme of their ignorance).

KJV has the most interesting but also the best imagery - “And the times of this ignorance God winked at.”

What do you wink at?

Whenever I caught my daughter, or one of the youths, in something mischievous but not berating or sinful, I would wink and smile and move on. They would grin and relax, but also not do it again. We both understood the wrong, but it was “overlooked” for a time.

If however, one of them kept trying whatever it was - I would put a stop to it, because it had moved from accidental or light-hearted to more intentional.

God is saying the same thing through Paul. In the past He could overlook such idol worship or misguided worship of Gentiles.

But now

This means something changed and God will no longer “overlooked” ignorance.

What was it?

(17:30) In the wake of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, God “commands all people everywhere to repent.” For the Athenians, repentance meant ceasing from the worship of idols. They likely would have struggled with the idea of giving up the idolatry that consumed their lives and turning to a God they had not known.

But it wasn’t just the Greek Aeropagus that needed to repent.

all people everywhere

The same requirement for everyone. Jew or Gentile, man or woman, Free or slave, Greek, Roman, Sumerian, Chinese, Brazilian, Australian, or Filipino; all need to repent.

The repentance not only reconciles but also protects.

because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world

We do not know, nor can we, which day that is, but we can be resolute in our assurance that there is “a day” for this judgement. I also believe this is the same 24-hour time period for the 6 days of creation, and 1 day of rest in Genesis. There will be many “days” for signs and “judgements” reigning down on the earth and the enemy’s minions but there is only 1 day for humans, although it may not occur on the same day for everyone.

1 John 4:17 “17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.”

Hebrews 9:27 “27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,”

he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead

This was the last logical proof that Paul was able to give, but it proved to “illogical” for many of those listening. For a person to be a judge, they must prove their ability to discern truth and have authority to carry out sentencing. Only one perfectly righteous could rightly judge all other people in the world. As proof of His divine appointment and wholly righteous life, Jesus was raised from the dead. This concept however had only been used in myth and legends for the Greeks, so for many it was too much of a leap in Paul argument for them all to accept. For some however, God had opened their hearts like Lydia’s last week, and they understood the leap must be done in faith.

Ask: How should knowing a day of judgment is coming affect the way we live and witness? (p. 63)

Ask: Why is the resurrection central to the gospel? (p. 63)

Discuss: Encourage the group to scan verses 32-34 again. Note that the Athenians had been listening up to this point. Why did the topic of the resurrection create such a shift in the audience? Highlight the various responses as Paul’s message came to an end.

Some . . . believed

Seeing this mixed response, Paul went out from their midst. As he did, some of his listeners accepted his message. Luke specifically mentioned two by name: Dionysius and Damaris. Dionysius was called an Areopagite, which suggests he may have been part of the ruling council. Damaris may have been an influential woman and serves as a reminder of the important role of women in early Christianity. Luke noted that others also believed, but he did not provide details. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 17

It is not enough to teach or preach with conviction. Like Paul, we must be prepared. The more we know about the Bible, what it means, and how to apply it to life, the more convincing our words will be. This does not mean that we should avoid presenting the Good News until we feel adequately prepared. We should use what we have learned but always seek to know more in order to be an effective witness and be able to respond to people’s questions and arguments.

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36–18:22)

The significance of the Areopagus address for modern evangelism lies in its emphasis upon the biblical concept of God. Paganism, not unlike that in Athens, is growing in influence, so that many people in Western society entertain similar ideas. Behind the simple gospel of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the assumption of the sovereign, transcendent, eternal, holy, and loving God—all ideas explicit or implicit in this sermon. Some important ideas about the nature of man—his rebellion, need to repent, and pride—also lie behind the biblical gospel, items also implicit in this sermon. No one should assume his listeners necessarily understand these things as he preaches the gospel today.

Apply the Text

Believers can be assured that God alone is sovereign.

God desires for each of us to know Him and live in relationship with Him.

Salvation is offered to those who repent of their sin and place their trust in Christ’s work on the cross.

Pray: Close in prayer, thanking God for His provision of salvation and His desire to draw us close to Him.

Explore the Bible Prayer Guide

Ask God to break your heart over the lostness of your city or town (v. 16).

Ask God to help you to have gospel conversations with lost people (vv. 22-23).

Pray for God to help you grow in your understanding of His Word that you can use it to God’s truth with people who don’t know Him (vv. 24-31).

Praise God that He alone is sovereign and worthy of worship (vv. 24-25).

Thank God for making Himself known to us so that we might find Him. Pray for people who have not heard the gospel (v. 27).