Sunday School Lesson 9 (Acts 17:1–34)
~ Pastor H Biakson
PAUL, SILAS AND TIMOTHY'S JOURNEY FROM THESSALONICA TO ATHENS
Leaving Dr Luke behind in Philippi, Paul along with Silas and Timothy head South-West covering the cities of Thessalonica, Berea and Athens where they face resistance from Jews and Gentiles.
A. Arrival at Thessalonica (17:1-4)
Approximately 100 miles from from Philippi and with a population of around 2,00,000, Thessalonica was the biggest city and capital of Macedonia. It was the economic and trade centre because of its connectivity to the Roman highway and sea port.
As per his custom, Paul began his work at the city's synagogue and for 3 sabbaths he reasoned with the people, explaining and demonstrating how Jesus, the Christ, suffered for us and rose from the dead.
Response: Paul and Silas persuaded many devout Greeks and leading women. However, some Jews did not receive his message well and became envious.
B. Uproar in Thessalonica (17:5-9)
The envious Jews took some evil men, gathered a mob and incited them against Paul and Silas. They accused Jason and some brethren, who had harbored the Apostles, of trying to make Jesus the King. They were attacked and arrested. Jason and the rest paid security and were released.
C. Ministering at Berea (17:10-15)
Berea lies approximately 40 miles away from Thessalonica and is not connected to the highway. The brethren sent Paul and Silas away from Thessalonica at night to Berea.
They went straight to the synagogue upon arrival. According to Dr Luke, "these (Bereans) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica" (17:10).
Response: They listened and examined the scriptures themselves to confirm that Paul’s use of the scripture was in harmony with what was written and many of them believed.
Unfortunately, the envious Jews from Thessalonica found out about Paul and Silas' impact in Berea who tried to stir up the crowd again. The brethren thought it prudent to send Paul out of the city. Silas and Timothy worked with the new converts quietly for a short time, while Paul was discreetly taken to Athens. Paul gave instructions to Silas and Timothy through those from Berea who had escorted him to Athens that they were to rejoin him as soon as possible.
D. Ministering at Athens (17:16-21)
Athens, around that time, had lost its charm and the population must have been reduced to approximately 10,000. It was the city of thinkers and philosophers.
The apostle was disheartened to see that the city was full of idols. As always, Paul went to the synagogue first, then to Gentile worshippers and at random market places. Epicureans and stoics mocked Paul and debated with him. They brought Paul to the Areopagus and let him speak.
E. Paul's sermon in Athens (17:22-31)
Standing at the midst of the Aeropagus, Paul began his sermon by talking in the language of the Athenians; appreciating their religious sentiments and then proclaimed that "THE UNKNOWN GOD" (which he saw written on an altar), whom you worship without knowing, is the:
creator; who made the world and everything in it.(v 24)
provider; He give to all life, breath, and all things.(v25)
ruler; He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth. (v26) and
saviour; He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (v31)
Response: Some mocked him and some were interested and wanted to hear more.
Lessons Learned:
1. Berea, although a small city, had more "fair-minded" and welcoming people compared to well-flourised and intellectually advanced cities of Thessalonica and Athens. They were also cautious enough to make sure that the Apostles' version of the script were in alignment with the actual script.
2. The apostles were laughed at, attacked and ridiculed but they continued spreading the word of God with dedication and compassion.
