PAUL'S DISTRESS IN ATHENS
Key verse: 16
NIV
In Athens
16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue(A) with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news(B) about Jesus and the resurrection.(C) 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus,(D) where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching(E) is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians(F) and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
Cross references
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
Paul in Athens
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was (A)provoked within him as he saw that the city was (B)full of idols. 17 So (C)he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, (D)“What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because (E)he was preaching (F)Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to (G)the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this (H)new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some (I)strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.
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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Paul's distress (16)
Paul was alone in Athens, waiting for his co-workers to join him. Athens was the center of Greek culture and learning, but Paul did not go sight-seeing. He was not impressed by the magnificent Greek art and architecture. He was not moved by the world-famous Greek philosophers. He was distressed by the idols in the city. He saw Athens from God's point of view.
2. Paul preaches Jesus (17-21)
Paul went to the synagogue and market-place and taught the Bible to whoever would listen. When he preached the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection, some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers disputed with him. The Epicureans taught that man's chief end was happiness; the Stoics taught that people should suppress their desires and be self-sufficient. The Athenians liked to hear interesting messages, but they only listened to be entertained. No one wanted to make a commitment to follow the truth.
Prayer: Lord, help me to testify to Jesus even in a sophisticated environment.
One Word: Preach Jesus anywhere, to anyone
