Engaging the Unknown: Paul's Witness in Athens

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound narrative of the Apostle Paul in Athens, as recorded in Acts 17. This passage provides a vivid example of defending the faith in a context where the audience is unfamiliar with the Scriptures. Paul, finding himself in Athens, a city steeped in idolatry, is provoked to speak to the people about the true God. He begins by acknowledging their religiosity, noting their altar to an "unknown god," and uses this as a starting point to introduce them to the Creator of the universe.

Paul's approach is instructive for us today. He begins with general revelation, the knowledge of God that is evident in creation and in the human conscience. This is a testimony that God has left for all humanity, a witness to His existence and His nature. Paul appeals to this innate sense of the divine, the "sensus divinitatis," which every person possesses, even if they suppress it. He points to the order and beauty of creation as evidence of a Creator, and to the moral order in the world as evidence of a moral lawgiver.

Paul also speaks of history as a testimony to God's sovereignty, noting how God has determined the times and places for all nations. This historical perspective reminds us that God is actively involved in the world, guiding the course of history according to His purposes. Paul’s message culminates in a call to repentance, emphasizing that God has appointed a day of judgment and has provided assurance of this through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This narrative challenges us to be bold in our witness, to use the testimony of creation, conscience, and history to point others to the truth of the gospel. It reminds us that while general revelation can lead people to seek God, it is through the special revelation of Jesus Christ that they come to know Him. As we engage with the world, let us be encouraged that we are not alone in our witness; the Holy Spirit is at work, and God’s truth is evident all around us.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of General Revelation: Paul’s approach in Athens highlights the importance of general revelation—God’s testimony through creation and conscience. This innate sense of the divine, or "sensus divinitatis," is present in every person, providing a foundation for introducing the gospel. We are reminded that even in a world that often suppresses this knowledge, the evidence of God’s existence and nature is undeniable. [08:04]

- History as God’s Testimony: Paul’s reference to history underscores God’s sovereignty over nations and events. This perspective encourages us to see history not as a series of random occurrences but as a narrative guided by God’s hand. It challenges us to trust in God’s purposes and to recognize His active involvement in the world. [17:04]

- The Necessity of Repentance: Paul’s call to repentance is a reminder of the urgency of the gospel message. In a world that often dismisses the idea of judgment, we are called to proclaim the reality of God’s righteous judgment and the need for repentance. This message is not only a warning but an invitation to experience God’s grace through Jesus Christ. [25:18]

- The Reality of Death and Resurrection: Paul’s emphasis on the resurrection of Jesus addresses the universal fear of death. In a culture that often avoids the topic of death, the gospel offers hope and assurance of eternal life through Christ. This truth challenges us to live with confidence in the face of mortality, knowing that death is not the end for those in Christ. [36:08]

- The Role of Special Revelation: While general revelation points to God, it is through special revelation—God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit—that people come to know Him personally. This underscores the importance of sharing the gospel and being active in our witness, trusting that God will use our efforts to draw people to Himself. [39:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Introduction to Defending the Faith
- [00:53] - Paul's Unexpected Journey to Athens
- [01:28] - Paul's Provocation by Idolatry
- [02:27] - Engaging with Athenian Philosophers
- [03:25] - The Unknown God Revealed
- [04:38] - The Areopagus Address
- [05:50] - Speaking to a Gentile Audience
- [06:56] - General Revelation and God's Witness
- [08:04] - The Sensus Divinitatis
- [09:50] - The Challenge of Atheism
- [11:14] - Nature Declares God's Glory
- [14:10] - History as a Testimony to God
- [17:39] - The Light of God's People
- [22:31] - Seeking God in the Darkness
- [25:18] - The Call to Repentance
- [27:19] - The Reality of Judgment
- [33:05] - The Fear of Death
- [36:08] - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life
- [39:31] - The Necessity of Special Revelation
- [41:24] - Augustine's Restless Heart
- [42:38] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 17:16-31

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Paul's initial reaction upon seeing the city of Athens full of idols, and how did it influence his actions? [01:28]

2. How did Paul use the Athenians' altar to an "unknown god" as a starting point for his message? [02:51]

3. What are the key elements of general revelation that Paul appeals to in his speech at the Areopagus? [06:56]

4. How does Paul describe God's involvement in history according to his speech in Athens? [03:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Paul emphasize the concept of general revelation when speaking to the Athenians, and how does this approach help in communicating the gospel to those unfamiliar with Scripture? [06:56]

2. In what ways does Paul’s message in Athens challenge the common perceptions of God and idolatry during that time? [02:51]

3. How does Paul’s call to repentance and the mention of a day of judgment serve as both a warning and an invitation? [25:18]

4. What is the significance of Paul concluding his message with the resurrection of Jesus, and how does it address the universal fear of death? [36:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Paul was provoked by the idolatry he saw in Athens. What modern-day "idols" might provoke a similar response in you, and how can you address them in your community? [01:28]

2. How can you use elements of general revelation, such as nature or conscience, to start conversations about faith with those who may not be familiar with the Bible? [06:56]

3. Reflect on a time when you felt God’s sovereignty in your personal history. How does recognizing God’s hand in your life encourage you to trust His purposes? [03:25]

4. Paul calls for repentance in light of a coming judgment. How does this message of urgency impact your approach to sharing the gospel with others? [25:18]

5. The resurrection of Jesus offers hope in the face of death. How does this truth influence your perspective on mortality and eternal life? [36:08]

6. Paul’s message in Athens was not just about general revelation but also about the necessity of special revelation. How can you be more active in sharing the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in your daily interactions? [39:31]

7. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your witness. How can you rely more on the Spirit’s guidance when engaging in conversations about faith? [16:02]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Imprint in Creation
In Acts 17, Paul uses the concept of general revelation to connect with the Athenians, who were unfamiliar with the Scriptures. He acknowledges their religious nature and points to their altar to an "unknown god" as a starting point to introduce them to the Creator. Paul emphasizes that the knowledge of God is evident in creation and the human conscience, a testimony left for all humanity. This innate sense of the divine, or "sensus divinitatis," is present in every person, even if suppressed. By pointing to the order and beauty of creation, Paul provides evidence of a Creator, and the moral order in the world as evidence of a moral lawgiver. This approach reminds us that even in a world that often suppresses this knowledge, the evidence of God’s existence and nature is undeniable. [08:04]

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a moment when you felt awe in nature. How can you use that experience to share the reality of God with someone who may not know Him?


Day 2: History as a Canvas of Divine Sovereignty
Paul's reference to history in his address to the Athenians underscores God's sovereignty over nations and events. He notes how God has determined the times and places for all nations, reminding us that history is not a series of random occurrences but a narrative guided by God's hand. This perspective challenges us to trust in God's purposes and recognize His active involvement in the world. By understanding history as a testimony to God's sovereignty, we are encouraged to see His guiding hand in our own lives and the world around us. This understanding can strengthen our faith and trust in God's ultimate plan. [17:04]

"And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him." (Acts 17:26-27, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a historical event that has impacted your life or faith. How can you see God's hand at work in that event, and how does it encourage you to trust Him more?


Day 3: The Urgency of Repentance
Paul's call to repentance in Athens is a reminder of the urgency of the gospel message. He emphasizes that God has appointed a day of judgment and has provided assurance of this through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a world that often dismisses the idea of judgment, we are called to proclaim the reality of God’s righteous judgment and the need for repentance. This message is not only a warning but an invitation to experience God’s grace through Jesus Christ. It challenges us to live with a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel and inviting others to turn to God. [25:18]

"The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? What steps can you take today to align your life with His will?


Day 4: Hope in the Face of Mortality
Paul's emphasis on the resurrection of Jesus addresses the universal fear of death. In a culture that often avoids the topic of death, the gospel offers hope and assurance of eternal life through Christ. This truth challenges us to live with confidence in the face of mortality, knowing that death is not the end for those in Christ. The resurrection is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing hope and assurance that transcends the fear of death. It invites us to live with a perspective that values eternal life and the promises of God. [36:08]

"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thessalonians 4:14, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection impact your view of life and death? In what ways can you share this hope with someone who may be struggling with the fear of mortality?


Day 5: The Necessity of Special Revelation
While general revelation points to God, it is through special revelation—God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit—that people come to know Him personally. This underscores the importance of sharing the gospel and being active in our witness, trusting that God will use our efforts to draw people to Himself. Special revelation provides the specific knowledge of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, which is essential for a personal relationship with Him. As believers, we are called to be faithful in sharing this message, knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work in the hearts of those who hear it. [39:31]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of the gospel? How can you intentionally share the truth of God's Word with them this week?

Quotes

"While Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So 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. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him." [00:01:42]

"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." [00:03:07]

"And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling, so that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us." [00:03:25]

"Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed." [00:03:57]

"And the first part of that testimony is our own nature, what theologians have called the sensus divinatatus. The Bible teaches that every human being has planted in them in their heart a sense that this world comes from the hand of God. We may try to suppress that knowledge, we may reject that knowledge, we may mock that knowledge, but we never can really avoid it." [00:07:53]

"The heart of polytheism is a sense that life is confusing, dangerous, somewhat out of control. And maybe in the problems of my life I can find the one god who might be able to help me. And so, I travel as a pagan from temple to temple, trying to find the god that might come to my rescue." [00:09:02]

"The heavens are telling the glory of God. You can't look at the sky without seeing God's glory, without God's glory smacking you. They're not just kind of telling the glory of God, they're not whispering the glory of God; they're telling the glory of God." [00:11:39]

"Paul had a strategy when talking to Gentiles of talking about general revelation. And in Acts 14, he talks about the goodness of God that's displayed in rain and in fruitful seasons. We see that, don't we, in nature? Now, I'm not from Florida. I'm from California. Don't boo, come on! We suffer enough there." [00:14:34]

"History too testifies, Paul says, to God. How does it happen that there are nations that have been raised up and cast down in history? How does it happen that there are eras, periods in history, that there's an ebb and flow in history, and yet we all feel history must mean something. And Paul is appealing to that." [00:16:50]

"Paul is saying God has left you a testimony all around you of life, and God has issued you a warning that you must get ready for judgment. But the glory is God has given you a Shepherd of life to lead you to everlasting life, a life that conquers death, and we see that in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ." [00:36:47]

"General revelation supports the special revelation, but people can never know the unknown God except by special revelation, by the work of preachers, by the work of Christians testifying, by the work of the Holy Spirit. That's necessary. We need to be encouraged by that, we need to be strengthened by that." [00:39:19]

"Augustine expressed this so beautifully in his Confessions when he said to God, 'You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they rest in You.' That's the confidence we can have going out into the world. Every person we talk to, whatever they say, is restless if their hearts are not resting in Jesus." [00:41:25]

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Transcript
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