In Acts 17:16-34, we encounter the apostle Paul in the city of Athens, a bustling hub of philosophical debate and religious diversity. Amidst the cacophony of conflicting beliefs, Paul seizes the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel, shedding light on the simplicity of relationship with Christ amidst the confusion of religions. Today’s study will include discussions around religious ideology and I hope you will add to the discussion with your comments. What religious systems do you see today that reflect the variety of beliefs that were practiced in Athens? What other systems do you see at work in our world today?
Engaging the Culture:
Paul’s heart was stirred as he observed the Athenians deeply immersed in various forms of worship, including altars dedicated to unknown gods. He recognized their religious fervor but also their spiritual ignorance. Instead of condemning or withdrawing, Paul engaged with the culture, entering into dialogue with both Jews and Gentiles in the marketplace and synagogues. Paul did not shy away from those who had different beliefs. He engaged them with the gospel. He sought to understand their religion to create opportunities to share his.
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22
The Unknown God:
Paul astutely uses the Athenians’ own religious practices as a starting point for sharing the Gospel. He seizes upon the altar to the “unknown god” as a bridge to proclaim the God they worship in ignorance—the Creator of the universe who does not dwell in temples made by hands.
“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man.” Acts 17:24
The Simplicity of Relationship with Christ:
Amidst the complexities of Athenian religious pluralism, Paul presents the Gospel as refreshingly simple: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He declares that God has overlooked the times of ignorance but now calls all people everywhere to repentance. Repentance is not easy, but it is simple. He emphasizes not rituals or philosophical musings but a personal relationship with the risen Christ. He preached they must turn away from sin and false religion to the resurrected Christ. No amount of religious practice can save, only faith in the finished work of Jesus.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Confusion of Religions:
The Athenians’ response reflects the confusion inherent in religious pluralism. Some dismiss Paul’s message as nonsense, while others express interest but hesitate to fully commit. The Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, representing different schools of thought, struggle to comprehend the resurrection of the dead—a concept foreign to their worldview.
Contrasting Religion and Christianity
In Acts 17:16-34, the apostle Paul encounters various religious beliefs in Athens and delivers a message contrasting these beliefs with the teachings of Christianity. I believe we can see these belief systems active in our world today. Many believe that as long as you are committed to your religion you will enjoy the afterlife. But is that what the Bible teaches? Was that the message of Jesus or the apostles? Is being a “good” person enough? Let’s explore each religion mentioned and contrast it with Christian beliefs and see if religion is enough.
1. Epicureanism
Definition: Epicureanism is a philosophical system founded by Epicurus, advocating the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the highest good. We certainly see this concept active in the world today. “If it feels good, do it” is the religion of many today.
Contrast with Christianity: Epicureanism focuses on personal pleasure and materialism, while Christianity emphasizes selflessness, love for others, and spiritual fulfillment, a direct opposite of this concept. (Matthew 22:37-39; Philippians 2:3-4).
2. Stoicism
Definition: Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium, teaching that virtue, reason, and self-control are the keys to a tranquil life. Devoutness is not enough. Being dedicated to an ideology, even dying for it, is not what the Bible teaches concerning salvation. Jesus warns about this;
Matthew 7:21-23 ESV[21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ [23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Contrast with Christianity: Stoicism emphasizes self-reliance and the suppression of emotions, while Christianity teaches reliance on God’s strength and the expression of emotions in healthy ways (Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 4:26-27).
3. Athenian Idolatry
Definition: Athenian idolatry refers to the worship of various gods and idols prevalent in Athens during Paul’s time. This is a “pick a god” mentality. You believe what you want and I’ll believe what I want. How often are we confronted with this attitude in our world today? The problem with this is found in Jesus’s own words;
John 14:6 ESV[6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Contrast with Christianity: Christianity teaches monotheism, the worship of one true God, who is not represented by idols (Exodus 20:3-5; John 4:23-24).
4. Unknown God
Definition: The altar to the “unknown god” in Athens was erected to appease any deity they might have overlooked. “God is in everything” is a false statement. God is not in everything! God is not in evil.
James 1:13 ESV[13] Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Contrast with Christianity: Christianity proclaims that God is not unknown but has revealed Himself through Jesus Christ (John 14:9; Colossians 1:15).
In Acts 17:16-34, Paul presents Christianity as a worldview that contrasts with Epicureanism, Stoicism, Athenian idolatry, and the concept of an “unknown god.” While these belief systems focus on human pleasure, self-reliance, idol worship, or uncertainty, Christianity offers a message of love, reliance on God, worship of the one true God, and the revelation of God through Jesus Christ.
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
Embracing the Truth:
Despite the skepticism and resistance, some Athenians are drawn to Paul’s message. Among them are Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, along with others. The Areopagus was both a location and a council in ancient Athens. It served as a prominent meeting place for the city’s governing body and also as a symbol of Athenian intellectual and political life. Additionally, the Areopagus council had various responsibilities, including jurisdiction over certain legal matters and the supervision of religious affairs. In Acts 17:19, Paul is brought before the Areopagus council to present his teachings, indicating its significance in the cultural and political landscape of Athens. They embrace the truth of the Gospel, abandoning their former beliefs and entering into a new relationship with Christ. Jesus is the only answer to the hunger within the human heart. Religion will never be enough to fulfill the need that God designed in us to have a relationship with him. Regardless ofva person’s religious background the gospel message empowered by the Holy Spirit can transform lives and save souls, even in an environment like Athens. We can enter these discussions with great confidence because Jesus Is Enough!
“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'” John 6:35
Life Application
1. Cultural Engagement
Like Paul engaged with the Athenians in their cultural context, we can seek opportunities to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, showing respect and understanding while sharing the Gospel. We must always remember that we share a living Savior who is alive.
2. Starting Point in Evangelism:
Just as Paul used the Athenians’ altar to the “unknown god” as a starting point for sharing the Gospel, we can look for common ground or points of interest in people’s lives to begin conversations about faith.
3. Simplicity of the Gospel:
Emphasize the simplicity of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting that it is not about rituals or intellectual prowess but about a personal relationship with Christ.
4. Responding to Skepticism:
When faced with skepticism or resistance, remain patient and continue to share the truth in love, knowing that some may need time to process or overcome their doubts.
5. Personal Transformation:
Just as some Athenians embraced the truth of the Gospel and abandoned their former beliefs, encourage others to experience personal transformation through faith in Christ, recognizing that true fulfillment is found in Him alone.
6. Boldness in Proclamation:
Be inspired by Paul’s boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, stepping out in faith to share the Good News with those around us, knowing that God is at work through our efforts.
7. Humility and Love: Approach evangelism with humility, wisdom, and love, recognizing that each person is on their own spiritual journey and responding to them with grace and compassion.
8. Continual Growth: As we engage with people of differing faiths and worldviews, let us continually grow in our understanding of the Gospel and in our ability to effectively communicate its message to others.
Acts 17:16-34 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Paul’s approach to evangelism in a world marked by religious confusion. In the midst of diverse beliefs and philosophical systems, the simplicity of relationship with Christ shines forth as the ultimate answer to the deepest longings of the human heart. As we engage with those of differing faiths and worldviews, let us follow Paul’s example of boldly proclaiming the Gospel with humility, wisdom, and love. B