Bible Study Snacks, Acts 17:16-34

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Seventeen, Verses 16-34.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Examine how Paul preaches in Athens and how he finds common ground from which to teach the Gospel of Christ in an idolatrous city.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 17:16-34...  

Upon arrival in Athens, Paul's "spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols."Again, he goes to the synagogue to reason with the Jew and Gentile worshipers, daily. He also reasons with others in the marketplace each day. This create an opportunity to speak with the philosophers (i.e., Epicureans, Stoics, and others). Some deride him, calling him a "babbler." Others think he speaks of foreign gods.  They invite him to speak in the Areopagus (also called Mar's Hill). This is the place of the supposed experts of philosophy and religion in Athens. (16-19)

Paul speaks to them by finding common ground from which to launch into his gospel message. He keys into the inscription: "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD." This is the One he proclaims to them. Paul also references a saying of their own poets, "For we are also His offspring." He points out that since they are the offspring of God, He could not be made of gold or silver or stone by human artists. Paul then teaches them of repentance and judgment.  He indicates that Christ will be the judge and that He was raised from the dead. Some mock Paul at this saying. Others want to hear more about this later. Some believe and joined him. (20-34)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:  

1) As Paul waited for his companions to arrive in Athens, what provoked Paul? (Acts 17:16)
2) What two venues did Paul use to reason with people? (Acts 17:17)
3) Who encountered Paul?  Why did they think he proclaimed some foreign god? (Acts 17:18)
4) Where did they invite Paul to speak?  Why were they willing to listen to him? (Acts 17:19-21)
5) As Paul began to speak, what did he first acknowledge?  Why? (Acts 17:22-23)
6) Whom did Paul proclaim as the subject of his speech? (Acts 17:23)
7) What seven things did Paul first declare about Him? (Acts 17:24-26)
8) What was God's purpose in all this? (Acts 17:27)
9) What should give one hope that God can be found? (Acts 17:27-28)
10) To whom did Paul appeal for support in what he was saying? (Acts 17:28)
11) What conclusion did Paul draw from such observations? (Acts 17:29)
12) What does Paul then reveal? (Acts 17:30)
13) Why should man repent? What evidence has God given?  (Acts 17:31)
14) What reaction was there to the subject of the resurrection? (Acts 17:32)
15) As Paul left, who joined him? (Acts 17:33-34)

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri