Paul in Athens

Acts 17:16-

I: The City and People of Athens:
1. Her greatest Creative Age was in the past.
2. She continued to hold her place as the “Intellectual and Artistic capital of the World.”
3. It was a free and Federal City.
4. In the home of men of Philosophy were found idles made by hand. Philosophy couldn’t deliver from Corruption.
5. The city was crowded with Temples, Shrines, Altars, Images, Mercy, Shame, Rumor, and Energy.
6. The People were always in search of News and some new thing to discuss.
7. In Athens it was easier to find a God than a Man.

II: What Paul Saw in Athens:
1. Paul saw a city given over to “Novelty Seeking.”
2. They greeted one another. “What is the latest news?”
3. “Any man could get a hearing but he couldn’t hope for a heeding.”
4. The Greeks had given beauty to their Altars and Images, but they were even more deadly, (Hollywood).
5. Paul’s heart was stirred to action.

III: Paul Speaks to Athens.
1. Before a Court, on Trial.
2. He didn’t offend, but used Wisdom.
3. “Ye are more religious than the average.”
4. He presented a God so great that there was no room for another. (Greeks had 30,000 Gods).
5. Paul called the Athenian’s to repentance without delay.
6. The Athenians went right on in their seeking news and satisfying self.
a. The Epicurean lived a life of Philosophic Contentment. Pleasure was his goal. Able to admire good but committed to the bad.
b. The Stoic said God was merrily the Spirit of Reason. The Universe was for his gratification.
c. The Ruling Principles of Athens was Pleasure and Pride.
7. When they had listened to Paul, some mocked, some said we will hear you again.

“So Paul departed from among them.”