Study 34 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 17:16-34
Paul at Athens faces philosophers, who
are eager to hear another man’s views in order that they may add these to their
rag-bag of ideas, and who also have no background understanding of the Old
Testament.
See, if possible Acts
(TNTC), pp. 136-146 for a most helpful explanation of Paul’s visit.
- Verses
16, 21. From what motives, and by
what methods, did Paul proclaim the gospel? Do you know anything of a
divine jealousy provoked by the fact that people do not give Christ the
allegiance which is His right?
- Verses
22-34. Study Paul’s sermon and note
(a) how he gained the interest of his hearers (verses 22-23), (b) what he
taught about God in relation to the universe, mankind, idols and images (verses
24-29), and (c) the response he argued which men needed to make to God
(verses 30-34). Paul sought to make
the Christian message relevant to the thought and background of his
hearers. He had no slick phraseology.
What do you learn from this about preaching today?