Acts 17 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Acts 17 in 5 Minutes

WHEN:

• Paul, Silas, and Timothy’s preaching journey most likely took place between the years 49-52 A.D.

CHARACTERS:

• Paul (Saul) – An Apostle who was working in the Mediterranean region planting churches.

• Silas – Originally from Jerusalem, he accompanied Paul on his 2nd missionary journey.

• Timothy – A disciple from Lysta or Derbe, he joined Paul when he passed through the region preaching.

• Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers – Men of Athens who were curious about Paul’s message.

WHERE:

• The three preachers left Philippi, travelled through Amphipolis and Apollonia before spending some time in Thessalonica.

• After being run out of Thessalonica, they went south to Berea.

• The chapter concludes with Paul teaching in Athens, Greece.

OUTLINE:

• A RIOT IN THESSALONICA (17:1-9):

  • Paul left Philippi at the end of Acts 16 and travelled to Thessalonica.

  • For three weeks, Paul discussed Jesus’ death and resurrection with the people.

  • Many were persuaded by Paul’s words and became believers.

  • But some Jews were jealous and “set the city in an uproar.”

  • They went to the house of Jason to find Paul and Silas, but when they were unsuccessful, they dragged Jason and some other believers to the authorities and started accusing them of causing trouble.

• PAUL, TIMOTHY, AND SILAS GO TO BEREA (17:10-15):

  • Because of the disturbance, the disciples sent Paul away during the night.

  • They travelled south to Berea and found the people there much more open to the gospel message.

  • “…they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily…”

  • But soon the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was in Berea and came down to cause trouble.

  • The disciples sent Paul to Athens, but Timothy and Silas stayed in Berea.

• PAUL PREACHING IN ATHENS (17:16-33):

  • Upon arriving in Athens, Paul was provoked to teach because the city was full of idols.

  • He taught in the synagogue and in the marketplace of every day.

  • One day, the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers brought him to the Areopagus and asked him to explain his message to them, because they were unfamiliar with Jesus’ life.

  • Paul started preaching to them about the true God, the only living God amid all their stone idols and altars to false gods who only existed in their imaginations. 

  • Paul told them the God he served made the heavens and the earth and was too great to be contained in a temple constructed by men.

  • He described God as the Father of all mankind who gives and sustains life.

  • Being the offspring of such a great Father, Paul encouraged the Athenians not to think “that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, and image formed by the art and imagination of men.”

  • God was calling all men to repent because a judgement day was coming. 

  • Some of the Athenians mocked Paul’s message, but others were curious.

  • A few became believers, including Dionysius and Damaris.

APPLICATION:

• The way we present the gospel can differ depending on our audience.

• Notice how Paul didn’t quote a bunch of Old Testament prophecies to the Gentiles in Athens like Peter did to the Jews in Acts 2.

• Paul quoted gentile poets (verse 28) to make his point about the one true God.

• When teaching others, take some time to try to understand their background, culture, and sources of authority.

• Ask God to help you use those facts to present the message of Jesus in an impactful way to your unique audience.