Acts 17:16-34
Terms
Idols – statues worshipped as gods
Synagogue – building where Jews met for worship and teaching
Resurrection – rising from death to life
Areopagus – “Mars Hill”; the place where the city council of Athens met
Altar – table where sacrifices were burned
Questions
- Why was Paul upset while he was in Athens?
- What might “being full of idols” show about a city?
- Where does Paul spend time teaching? Whom does he teach to?
- What is different about his teaching in each place?
- Who wants to hear more about Jesus? Why?
- Epicureans believed the greatest thing was pleasure; Stoics believed the greatest thing was reason. How do you think they each responded to a message about Jesus?
- If you were Paul, how would you teach each about God?
- Why do you think Paul starts talking about God, not Jesus?
- What does he teach about God?
- Does God need people to worship him? Why or why not?
- How does Paul describe the relationship between God and people?
- How is God different from the idols of Athens?
- What does God care about?
- When do people stop listening to Paul? Why?
- Is the resurrection important to Paul’s message? Why do you think so?
- What are their reactions to Paul? Do they surprise you?
Some of the people of Athens laughed at Paul, and some joined him. What is your reaction to Paul?
Notice how Paul adapted his message to each audience, and pay attention to what stayed the same. What can change when you talk about Jesus? What is important to stay the same?
