Exegetical Study: Acts 17:16-34
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Exegetical study: Acts 17:16-34
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus gives a call to all believers – to go forth and make disciples of all nations. It is a call that has pervaded through history and its impact is still being felt in the current generations. Knowing what one is expected to do is one thing but how to do it is an entirely different task altogether. Paul lands in Athens after an unpleasant time in Berea and Thessalonica. Luke does not clarify on how many days Paul spent there but it appears like Paul only stays there for a short duration. At the time of Paul’s celebrated visit, Athens was a great center of art, architecture and philosophy. Provoked by the rampant idolatry in Athens, Paul starts preaching at the slightest available chance. He starts at the synagogue where Jews and gentiles worshipped and then goes to the market place. He then encounters the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who bring him to Areopagus to preach.
Authorship
The author of the book of Acts is not mentioned in the book itself. However, at the beginning of Acts 1:1, the book is addressed to Theophilus as in Luke 1:1-4. The author may have seen some of the happenings of the early church but was not an original witness to the workings of Jesus. In addition, the author distinguishes himself from other gospel writers in that he distinctly addresses the intended audience at the beginning of his book.
This study explores the sermon which led people to Christ. In this case, Apostle Paul makes an extraordinary address, a sermon that was proclaimed to a pluralistic society. His audience is largely comprised of idol worshipers (Acts 17:16), stoic and Epicureans philosophers, and those who had converted and practice Judaism. It is therefore evident that not all these people are Christians; neither do they have a common worldview. In