Paul at Athens

Jim ButlerActs 17:16–34

Paul's encounter with the philosophers of Athens in Acts 17:16–34 sets the pattern for faithful gospel witness in any pagan culture. The sermon works through Paul's provocation at Athenian idolatry, his proclamation of God as sovereign Creator and righteous Judge, and his call to universal repentance grounded in the resurrection of Christ. Idolatry — whether ancient image-worship or modern self-worship, money, or pleasure — is shown to be not an approximate form of true religion but a passionate flight from God. The congregation is urged to imitate Paul: to be outraged at idolatry, to proclaim Christ without apology, and to resist the indifferentism that treats the gospel as something to consider another day.