Acts 17 Paul's Second Missionary Journey

 

Acts 17 Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

 

This journey takes Paul to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. Paul is first in Thessalonica for 3 Sabbaths. Only the Gentile God-seekers accepted the gospel and were saved. The opposition created a mob affect and attacked the house where Paul was staying. Even today we hear of mobs attacking Christians and even killing them. Today is not much different than those days. It only feels different because it is closer to home. Because the opposition there forces Paul to leave, he then travels to Berea where he has a better reception, and many believe. The Jews took time to examine the evidence and study the scriptures. There are fair minded people in every nation and God knows who they are.

Up until now Timothy and Silas have been with him. Now he is travelling to Athens and leaves them behind. Paul observes the idolatry of Athens. He disputes with the Jews in the Synagogue and the philosophers in the marketplace daily. Finally, he is given a public hearing on Mars’ Hill which was the Areopagus. Paul’s speech was adjusted to his audience, as was his sermon in Pisidia. Paul points out the altar to the unknown God. He presents the true God as Creator and Redeemer; he asks the men to turn to God. The people in Athens “spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.” Paul’s sermon was a masterpiece of tact and teaching, and a few people were converted. Paul offered them “newness of life” through the resurrection (Rom. 6:4), and most of the listeners rejected it.

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible and J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible