Acts chapter 17

vs 12

We might like to say that those who study the gospel hard, and put it through its paces will find itst truth. And we might even think of people who have famously written books where they sought to disprove Christianity, and ended up becoming believers.

Truth is, though, that many people have sought to disprove Christianity, studied it, and still don't believe it. Because it is the Holy Spirit that convicts people. Even if it is an entirely believeable message.

vs 13

Now, surely this crowd of people, many of whom have believed anyway, and all of whom seem to have been such noble characters, wouldn't be able to be stirred by a bunch of Jewish stirrers?

vs 14

Paul seems to be a bit of a focus for aggro. Probably because he's the main mouth, and his testimony is likely damaging. The believers act fast this time, getting him hence. Do they hide the other two, or are they safe? Hard to tell.

vs 15

So Paul wasn't even planning to visit Athens - at least, not at this moment. But he ends up in this rather large city because the Bereans flee him to there. I'm sure Athens was on his list, but he arrived ahead of schedule.

vs 16

Yes, Athens may be a lot of things, but it's no Jewish town.

vs 17

The feeling you get from this verse is that Paul was a bit passionate about this, because Athens seemed like such a spiritual hole.

vs 18

Poor Athenians. Paul's in the big smoke now, and he's being set on by philosophers. They don't seem used to the idea of someone being actively missionary. They also don't seem to quite grasp Paul's message either, although really if he was aimed at Jews and God-fearers, then it wouldn't be easily understood by people without an understanding of Judaism.

vs 19

So these Athenians want to hear what Paul's teaching about. But is it an interest based on spiritual thirst? Or just intellectual curiosity?

vs 20

Resurrection is a pretty strange idea.

vs 21

I take it Luke wasn't a fan of Athens? Or whoever told him about it wasn't, anyway.

vs 22

Now, did he really say this with a straight face? We already know how disturbed he was at the idols. Was he bagging them? I think the normal reading is to read this seriously. I guess there would have been a fair few people at the areopagus listening to Paul. This is a big deal.