PAUL’S 2ND JOURNEY (2)

PAUL IN ATHENS

AIM:

To show how Paul was quick to seize up on all opportunities to preach the gospel.

KEYCONCEPT

I must put God first in my life.

READING

Acts17:22-31

(Paul’sspeech)

REFERENCE

Acts17-18:22,

Matt5:11-

PAULS SECOND JOURNEY SO FAR

• Derbe,
• Lystra,
• Iconium,
• Troas,
• Samothrace,
• Neapolisa
• Philippi

ON TO THESSALONICA

• After being released from prison, Paul and Silas left Philippi.
• Luke remained behind.
• They traveled westward, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, and arrived in Thessalonica (110 km from Philippi).
• Thessalonica was the capital and largest city in Macedonia.

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Acts 17:1-9

PAUL’S PREACHING IN THESSALONICA

• Paul and Silas arrived in Thessalonica and went to the Jewish synagogue on the Sabbath.
• For three Sabbaths in a row, Paul preached the gospel from the scriptures.
• The message was about Jesus Christ’s suffering, death for the sins of mankind, and resurrection to bring hope to all who believe.

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RESPONSE TO PAUL’S PREACHING

• Many people in Thessalonica believed in Paul’s message, including:
1. Some of the Jews.
2. A large number of God-fearing Gentiles.
3. Some prominent women.
• Paul’s message spread hope and new life through faith in Jesus Christ.

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JEALOUSY AND OPPOSITION

• Some Jews were jealous of Paul and Silas' growing influence and attention.
• They gathered a crowd of rebels and started a riot.
• They went to the house of Jason, looking for Paul and Silas to bring them before the people.

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The Jews Stir up Trouble

ACCUSATIONS AND RESOLUTION

• The accusers dragged Jason and some other believers before the rulers.
• They accused Paul and Silas of causing trouble, defying Caesar’s decrees, and declaring another king (Jesus).
• The rulers were troubled, but after taking security from Jason and the others, they let them go.

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The Riot and Jason’s Role

The rest of the Jews were jealous of the attention Paul and Silas were receiving so they gathered a crowd of rebels and started a ___________(TRIO) in the city. They went to the house of ___________(NOJAS) in search of Paul and Silas so they could bring them out in front of the people. When they couldn't find them there, they dragged Jason and some of the other believers before the ____________(LURRES). They shouted that Paul and Silas were causing trouble all over the world, defying the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king - one called ____________(JEUSS). The rulers were troubled and when they had taken _____________(BALI) from Jason and the others, they let them go.

UNSCRAMBLE THE MISSING WORDS

Instructions: Use the provided scrambled words from Acts 17:5-9 and fill in the missing words to complete the story.

The rest of the Jews were jealous of the attention Paul and Silas were receiving so they gathered a crowd of rebels and started a ___________(TRIO) in the city. They went to the house of ___________(NOJAS) in search of Paul and Silas so they could bring them out in front of the people. When they couldn't find them there, they dragged Jason and some of the other believers before the ____________(LURRES). They shouted that Paul and Silas were causing trouble all over the world, defying the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king - one called ____________(JEUSS). The rulers were troubled and when they had taken _____________(BALI) from Jason and the others, they let them go.

UNSCRAMBLE THE MISSING WORDS

Instructions: Use the provided scrambled words from Acts 17:5-9 and fill in the missing words to complete the story.

RIOT

JASON

RULERS

JESUS

BAIL

IN BEREA -

• Paul and Silas traveled to Berea, about 72 km south-west of Thessalonica.
• Upon arrival, they visited the Jewish synagogue and taught the people there.
• The Jews in Berea were “more noble” than those in Thessalonica.

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Acts 17:10-15

WHAT MADE THE BEREANS NOBLE?

• The Jews in Berea were considered more noble because they:
• Received the message with great eagerness
• Searched the scriptures daily
• Gave alms to the poor

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Acts 17:10-15

THE JEWS IN BEREA WERE MORE NOBLE THAN THOSE IN THESSALONICA, FOR THEY:

A) received the message with great eagerness

B)searched the scriptures daily

C)gave alms to the poor

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MANY JEWS BELIEVED AND ALSO MANY PROMINENT GREEK MEN AND WOMEN, BUT THE UNBELIEVING JEWS FROM THESSALONICA CAME TO BEREA AND:

A) stoned Paul and Silas

B) stirred up the crowd

C) accused Paul and Silas of crimes

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IMMEDIATELY, THE BELIEVERS SENT PAUL AWAY, ALTHOUGH SILAS AND TIMOTHY REMAINED IN BEREA AND WOULD JOIN HIM LATER. THE BELIEVERS:

A) sent Paul away by sea

B) escorted Paul to Athens

C) sent Paul back to Antioch

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WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

• Unbelieving Jews from Thessalonica followed Paul and Silas to Berea:
1. Stirred up the crowd
2. Accused Paul and Silas of crimes
• The believers sent Paul away to protect him, while Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea.

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Acts 17:10-15

IN ATHENS

• Athens was the capital of the world during Greece's peak, located in Achaia, south of Macedonia.
• It was famous for its intellectual, artistic, and religious influence.
• The city was named after the Greek goddess Athena.

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Acts 17:16-21

THE MARKET PLACE AND AREOPAGUS

• The Agora, or marketplace, was the center of Athens, filled with sculptures and idols dedicated to pagan gods.
• The Areopagus (Mars Hill) was an important site where philosophers gathered.
• Paul walked around Athens, troubled by the many idols, and entered the synagogue to preach.

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Acts 17:16-21

THE EPICUREANS

• The Epicureans believed that the universe happened by chance, without a creator.
• They did not believe in resurrection or an afterlife, focusing instead on pleasure and seeking happiness.
• Their motto was: “Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die.” (Isaiah 22:13)

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Acts 17:16-21

Who Were the Epicureans?

• The Stoics believed in a creator who was distant from humanity.
• They did not think the creator cared for human affairs, but they strived to live a godly and moral life.
• Stoics focused on self-control and virtue.

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THE STOICS

Acts 17:16-21

Who Were the Stoics?

• Paul took advantage of an opportunity to speak to the learned men of Athens.
• His speech focused on the topic of idolatry and the Unknown God.
• He used a thoughtful approach to connect with the Athenians, gaining their attention and respect.

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TO THE UNKNOWN GOD

Acts 17:22-31

Paul’s Speech in Athens

• Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious” (Acts 17:22).
• Paul noticed the people of Athens had many religious objects.
• One object, in particular, stood out to him.

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QUOTE FROM ACTS 17:22

Paul’s Introduction to Athens

• Paul noticed an altar with an inscription:
• “To the Unknown God” (Acts 17:23).
• This altar became the starting point for his speech about the true God.

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THE ALTAR TO THE UNKNOWN GOD

• Paul used the altar to introduce the true God.
• He explained that this "Unknown God" was the one he wanted to talk about.
• The Athenians didn’t know Him yet, but they had an altar dedicated to Him.

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PAUL'S SPEECH AND THE UNKNOWN GOD

What Paul Told the Athenians About God

KEY POINTS FROM PAUL’S SPEECH (ACTS 17:24-31)

List as many things as you can about God, as Paul told the Athenians.

• When Paul spoke about the resurrection of Jesus, some mocked him in disbelief.
• Others dismissed him, saying they would discuss the matter later.

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PAUL’S MESSAGE ON THE RESURRECTION

Paul Stopped Short

• The power of God working in their lives was too much for many to accept.
• They chose to trust in idols rather than God, even though idols could do nothing for them.
• These people didn’t develop faith in God, preventing themselves from entering His Kingdom.
• Others dismissed him, saying they would discuss the matter later.

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THE PEOPLE’S RESPONSE

• Dionysius and Damaris were two of the few who became followers of Paul and believed.
• They are specifically mentioned in Acts 17:34.

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A FEW BELIEVED

IDOLS IN OUR LIFE

Acts 18:1-22

TO CORINTH AND HOME AGAIN

• Paul leaves Athens and heads to Corinth.
• Corinth: An intellectual and commercial hub of Greece, known for its wealth and immorality.

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• Paul meets Aquila (a Jew) and his wife Priscilla.
• They are tent-makers by trade, and Paul works with them.
• Paul stays with them in Corinth after Silas and Timothy catch up with him in Berea.

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PAUL’S ARRIVAL IN CORINTH

• Paul begins preaching at the synagogue.
• Faces opposition from the Jews in Corinth.
• Justus, a man next to the synagogue, believes in Paul's message.
• Crispus, the synagogue leader, and others also believe and are baptized.

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PAUL’S PREACHING IN THE SYNAGOGUE

• God encourages Paul in a vision:

“Do not be afraid: Keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no-one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (vv 9,10)

• Paul stays in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God.

PAUL’S VISION OF ENCOURAGEMENT

• Paul leaves Corinth and heads to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla.
• He briefly speaks in the synagogue in Ephesus.
• Aquila and Priscilla stay in Ephesus while Paul travels to Caesarea, then to Jerusalem.
• Paul finishes his journey and returns to Antioch (Syria).

DEPARTURE TO EPHESUS

REVISE MATT 5:11-12

Write out the memory verse from last week

LESSON FOR US

• Paul's Endurance Despite Suffering: Despite facing opposition and suffering, Paul remained committed to his mission of spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. This teaches us to persevere in our work and calling, even when challenges arise.
• Enthusiasm in Scripture Study: Paul’s dedication to studying the Scriptures was mirrored by the Bereans. We should be passionate and sincere in our search for understanding through the Bible.
• Courage in Speaking About God: Paul displayed bravery in speaking to the Athenians about God, even though they were highly educated and skeptical. This teaches us to be bold and unafraid when sharing our faith with others, regardless of their knowledge or status.
• God's Call for Repentance: Paul communicated God’s desire for all people to turn from sin and seek repentance. God will judge everyone, and we must be accountable for our actions. This lesson calls for personal reflection and turning toward God’s Kingdom.
• Putting God First: Paul put God first in his life, and as a result, he was blessed. We are encouraged to follow this example by prioritizing God in our own lives to experience His blessings.

a) They listened eagerly to the message and examined the Scriptures daily.

b) They were wealthier than the Thessalonians.

c) They had a larger population.

d) They rejected Paul’s teachings.

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Answer: a) They listened eagerly to the message and examined the Scriptures daily.

WHY WERE THE PEOPLE OF BEREA CONSIDERED MORE NOBLE IN CHARACTER THAN THE THESSALONIANS?

a) They did not believe in any form of God.

b) They thought he was preaching foreign gods and strange teachings.

c) They did not understand the language he spoke.

d) They were in a hurry and did not want to listen.

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Answer: b) They thought he was preaching foreign gods and strange teachings.

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WHY DID THE PHILOSOPHERS IN THE MARKETPLACE IN ATHENS MOCK PAUL WHEN HE SPOKE TO THEM?

a) "To the Unknown God"

b) "To the One True God"

c) "To the God of the Universe"

d) "To the Creator of Heaven and Earth"

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Answer: a) "To the Unknown God"

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WHAT WAS THE INSCRIPTION WRITTEN ON ONE PARTICULAR ALTAR THAT TOOK PAUL’S ATTENTION?

a) God is distant and unconcerned with the world.

b) God does not exist.

c) God is near to everyone and gives life to all things.

d) God only cares about the Jewish people.

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Answer: c) God is near to everyone and gives life to all things.

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WHAT DID PAUL TELL THE PEOPLE OF ATHENS ABOUT GOD?

a) They immediately accepted his teachings.

b) They were angry and rejected his message.

c) Some mocked him, others were curious and wanted to hear more.

d) They ignored him and continued their daily activities.

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Answer: c) Some mocked him, others were curious and wanted to hear more.

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HOW DID THE PEOPLE OF ATHENS REACT TO PAUL’S WORDS?

a) We should avoid speaking to others about our beliefs.

b) We should speak confidently even when faced with mockery and opposition.

c) We should only speak to people who already agree with us.

d) We should avoid speaking about God in public spaces.

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Answer: b) We should speak confidently even when faced with mockery and opposition.

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WHAT DO WE LEARN FOR OURSELVES FROM PAUL’S COURAGE ON MARS HILL?

a) We should only speak to those who share our faith.

b) We should embrace all gods and teachings.

c) We should boldly declare the truth of God, regardless of others’ reactions.

d) We should avoid confrontation and compromise.

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Answer: c) We should boldly declare the truth of God, regardless of others’ reactions.

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WHAT DO WE LEARN FOR OURSELVES FROM THE WORDS PAUL SPOKE ON MARS HILL?ARS HILL?

a) His explanation of the law of Moses.

b) His message of resurrection and the afterlife.

c) His thoughts on the nature of the universe.

d) His ability to predict the future.

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Answer: b) His message of resurrection and the afterlife.

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WHAT DID THE PHILOSOPHERS IN ATHENS FIND MOST INTERESTING ABOUT PAUL’S TEACHINGS?

a) To praise the greatness of Athens.

b) To engage the philosophers in a debate.

c) To teach the people about the true God and Jesus Christ.

d) To invite the people to join the Jewish faith.

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Answer: c) To teach the people about the true God and Jesus Christ.

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WHAT WAS PAUL’S MAIN PURPOSE WHEN SPEAKING IN ATHENS?

a) Many people immediately followed Paul.

b) Some people joined him in believing in Jesus Christ.

c) The city of Athens became Christian overnight.

d) Paul was arrested and thrown out of the city.

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Answer: b) Some people joined him in believing in Jesus Christ.

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WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WAS A RESULT OF PAUL’S SPEECH ON MARS HILL?

The order of places that Paul visited on his second journey:

• Antioch (Syria),
• Derbe,
• Lystra,
• Iconium,
• Antioch (Pisidia),
• Troas,
• Samothrace,
• Neapolis,
• Philippi,
• Amphipolis,
• Thessalonica,
• Berea,
• Athens,
• Corinth,
• Ephesus,
• Caesarea,
• Jerusalem and
• Antioch (Syria).