Paul had been obliged to leave Berea because of the opposition stirred up against him there. He had come to Athens and was waiting there until Silas and Timothy could join him to continue there missionary travels.
I STIRRED TO PREACH.
Burdened by the sight of idolatry, v16. The impact of witnessing false religion in action is seen here. This ought to be a troubling thing for the Christian to witness men living in ignorance of God. Alternative religion ought to disturb our soul and stir us to act as Paul did.
His response was to preach. He was moved to preach Christ, v18.
His audience. Paul evidently reached various kinds of audience as he ministered in the city.
The Jews. It is very interesting that he begins here. The presence of much worse, more ignorant sections of the community did not mean that he overlooked the Jewish community. The fact that they were religious and had been exposed to the truth of the Scriptures did not make them less in need than the heathen idolators of the city. The unsaved religious man is in as great a need spiritually as the profane and idolatrous. Cp Rom 10:2-3.
The devout. Specifically, those Gentiles who had converted to Judaism. They had made undoubted spiritual progress yet were arguably in greater need that the pagan.
The populace at large. Paul preached to the masses. The common man, in his ignorance of God, was brought the gospel of a living Saviour.
The worldly wise men, v18. The philosophers of the city heard too. Though from opposite ends of the spectrum they unite in dealing with Paul. They were drawn by their interest in novelty rather than any sincere interest in Paul’s message. It is clear that from the outset they hold him and his message in contempt.
II AT MARS HILL.
Mars Hill was the highest court in Athens and obviously the seat of philosophical discussion and debate. It was a religious centre, established in the superstitions of the people as a place of extreme importance.
An insight into their worship. Paul speaks of their religious practices in stark and blunt terms. They are described as ‘very reverent to demons’! Their religion was marked by ignorance. Paul does not hesitate to make these assertions.
He takes the opportunity to present them with the truth abut the true God.
The character of God, v24-25. He is the Creator of all things; the Sovereign ruler of all; He is spiritual and transcendent; the source of all life. These are profound concepts and yet are part of educating the sinner to trust the Saviour.
The purpose of God, v26-27.
Revealed in man, v28-29. God reveals something of Himself in man’s being. Created in the image of God, man even in his sinful state, reflects something of the nature and character of God. Man’s own being argues against idolatry. Just as man is a living, spiritual being rather than merely dead inanimate substance, so God cannot be experienced in an idol of gold or silver.
The duty to repent, v31. In mercy that many in history did not experience God reveals to men the duty to turn from sin. Many have been left in ignorance but the gospel message removes that ignorance and it is sent now to the world. Repentance is necessary because of the appointed day of reckoning and account. It is fitting that Paul speaks this way in a courtroom!
The foundation of gospel truth. The warranty of what Paul is saying is the resurrection of Christ. A living Christ guarantees the day of judgement will come and all men will answer for their sin.
III THE SMALL RESPONSE.
Cp v32-34.
Mockers.
The procrastinators.
Paul left them!
Some believed. Specially note the use of the names of those who believed. A public identification on the Lord’s side.