Proclaiming Christ: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Acts 17 – Seeking God’s Truth

Executive Summary ✨

Acts 17 details the Apostle Paul’s journeys through Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, showcasing his diverse approaches to evangelism. In Thessalonica, he reasoned from the Scriptures in the synagogue, leading to both belief and opposition. The Bereans, more noble, eagerly examined the Scriptures to verify Paul’s teachings. Forced to flee, Paul arrives in Athens, where he is grieved by the city’s idolatry. He debates in the synagogue and marketplace, eventually addressing the Areopagus, presenting the “Unknown God” and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This chapter reveals the power of the Word, the importance of discerning truth, and the call to evangelize in various cultural contexts. Seeking God’s Truth is an active pursuit, as demonstrated by the Bereans, and a powerful proclamation, as exemplified by Paul’s speech in Athens. This chapter offers valuable lessons for contemporary Christians on how to engage with different audiences and share the Gospel effectively, rooted in both Scripture and reason.

Introduction 📖

Acts 17 unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of early Christian missionary work, showcasing the Apostle Paul’s adaptability and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. We witness his interaction with Jewish communities in Thessalonica, the noble Bereans who scrutinized his teachings, and his encounters with the philosophical elite of Athens. This chapter is a study in contrasts – faith versus reason, acceptance versus rejection, and the universal call to acknowledge the one true God. Paul’s journey teaches us crucial lessons about evangelism, discernment, and the timeless relevance of the Christian message. Seeking God’s Truth requires diligence, prayer, and a willingness to challenge cultural norms, as we will explore in this verse-by-verse commentary.

Commentary: Acts 17 Verse by Verse

Acts 17:1-4 – Thessalonica: Preaching in the Synagogue

Original Text (KJV): Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Original Text (NKJV): Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

Paul’s strategy was consistent: to begin in the synagogues, engaging with those familiar with the Old Testament scriptures. Thessalonica, a bustling port city, provided fertile ground for the Gospel. His approach was methodical: “reasoned with them out of the scriptures.” He didn’t just declare; he explained and demonstrated. He highlighted that Christ “must needs have suffered.” This connects to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of Christ’s sacrificial atonement, fulfilling the prophecies. We see the importance of interpreting Scripture through the lens of Christ, aligning with the Patristic tradition of typological interpretation. The response was mixed. Some believed, including devout Greeks and prominent women, demonstrating the Gospel’s appeal across social strata. This highlights the universal salvific will of God, as emphasized by St. Athanasius: “Ὁ Θεὸς γὰρ θέλει πάντας ἀνθρώπους σωθῆναι καὶ εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν” (Ho Theos gar thelei pantas anthropous sothēnai kai eis epignōsin alētheias elthein – For God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth – 1 Timothy 2:4).

Spiritual Application: Like Paul, we must engage in thoughtful, scripturally-based conversations about our faith. We must also be prepared for mixed reactions, remembering that the seed of the Gospel often falls on different types of soil (Matthew 13). Find a service that could help you in seeking God’s truth.

Acts 17:5-9 – Uproar and Accusations

Original Text (KJV): But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

Original Text (NKJV): But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren before the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

The envy of the unbelieving Jews is a recurring theme in Acts. The accusation, “These that have turned the world upside down,” is ironic. Paul was not creating chaos but establishing true order based on God’s kingdom. The charge of defying Caesar was a deliberate distortion. The Coptic Church emphasizes obedience to earthly authorities, but only when those authorities do not demand actions contrary to God’s law. As Abba Shenouda the Archimandrite taught, “We render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s.” Jason’s willingness to provide security for Paul and his companions is an act of courage and hospitality. This highlights the importance of supporting those who preach the Gospel, even at personal risk. The rulers, concerned about public order, released Jason after receiving security – demonstrating that worldly peace is valued, even when truth is present.

Spiritual Application: Expect opposition when proclaiming the truth. Stand firm in your faith, but also act with wisdom and discernment. Support those who are persecuted for their beliefs. Remember that the world will often misrepresent your intentions. Don’t let fear prevent you from seeking God’s truth.

Acts 17:10-15 – Berea: The Noble Example

Original Text (KJV): And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Original Text (NKJV): Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the prominent Greek women and men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.

The Bereans are lauded for their “nobility” (KJV) or “fair-mindedness” (NKJV). This wasn’t simply passive acceptance but active investigation: “searched the scriptures daily.” This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on scripture study and discernment. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Τὰς γραφὰς ἐρευνᾶτε, ὅτι αὐταὶ μαρτυροῦσιν περὶ ἐμοῦ” (Tas graphas ereunate, hoti autai marturousin peri emou – Search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me – John 5:39). Their diligence led to belief among both Jews and Greeks. The Thessalonian Jews’ persistence in persecution demonstrates the depth of their opposition to the Gospel. The brethren’s quick action to protect Paul highlights the importance of protecting those who spread the Word. His escape to Athens sets the stage for his encounter with a completely different cultural context.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a Berean spirit of diligent scripture study. Don’t blindly accept everything you hear. Test teachings against the Word of God. Be discerning and open to correction. Don’t let fear hold you back from seeking God’s truth.

Acts 17:16-21 – Athens: Confronting Idolatry

Original Text (KJV): Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Original Text (NKJV): Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to meet with him. Then some philosophers of the Epicureans and the Stoics encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

Athens, the intellectual center of the ancient world, was also steeped in idolatry. Paul’s spirit was “stirred” (KJV) or “provoked” (NKJV) – a righteous indignation at the pervasive worship of false gods. He engaged in dialogue both in the synagogue and the marketplace – a testament to his adaptability. The Epicureans, who believed in pleasure as the chief good, and the Stoics, who emphasized virtue and reason, represent the dominant philosophical schools of the time. The Athenians’ curiosity, while seemingly open-minded, was also driven by a desire for novelty. This resonates with the Coptic understanding of “kenodoxia” (κενὴ δόξα – vain glory), a desire for empty praise and recognition. The Areopagus, a council that met on Mars Hill, was a prestigious forum for intellectual debate.

Spiritual Application: Be sensitive to the spiritual needs of your environment. Let your heart be moved by injustice and idolatry. Engage in respectful dialogue, even with those who hold opposing views. Don’t be afraid to challenge prevailing cultural norms. Don’t be swayed by the pursuit of novelty over truth. Always be seeking God’s truth.

Acts 17:22-31 – Paul’s Address on Mars Hill

Original Text (KJV): Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Original Text (NKJV): Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I declare to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Paul begins with a subtle compliment, acknowledging their religiosity while gently pointing out their superstition. He seizes upon the altar “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD” as a bridge to introducing the true God. This is a masterclass in contextualization. He declares a God who is not confined to temples but is the Creator and Sustainer of all. This aligns with the Coptic understanding of God’s omnipresence and transcendence. He emphasizes God’s impartiality, making all nations from one blood and setting boundaries for them. He quotes their own poets (Aratus and Cleanthes) to connect with their cultural understanding, showing Christ as the reason and wisdom of creation, the very source of existence. This use of existing cultural reference points helps Paul to connect with his audience and build a bridge of communication. He calls for repentance and announces the coming judgment, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the core of the Gospel message.

Spiritual Application: Look for common ground when sharing your faith. Understand the culture you are engaging with. Present the Gospel in a way that is relevant and understandable. Remember that God is both transcendent and immanent. Don’t be afraid to speak the truth about sin and judgment. Be persistent in seeking God’s truth, and share it with others.

Acts 17:32-34 – Reactions and Conversions

Original Text (KJV): And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Original Text (NKJV): And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” So Paul departed from among them. However, some joined him and believed, among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

The resurrection was a stumbling block for many in the Greek world. Some mocked, a typical response to the Gospel’s disruptive message. Others were intrigued but hesitant. However, some believed, including Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, and Damaris, whose presence suggests that women held a respected position in Athenian society. Their conversion demonstrates that the Gospel can penetrate even the most sophisticated and skeptical minds. This reinforces the Coptic belief in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Application: Not everyone will accept the Gospel. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Focus on those who are receptive. Remember that even a few converts can have a significant impact. The fruit of seeking God’s truth can be found in surprising places.

Subtopic: The Athenian Mindset

The city of Athens represented the pinnacle of human intellect and philosophical inquiry in the ancient world. However, this intellectual prowess also presented unique challenges for Paul in his mission to spread the Gospel.

• Intellectual Curiosity: Athenians possessed an insatiable curiosity for new ideas and doctrines, as reflected in the scripture, “For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.” This openness could be a potential entry point for the Gospel, but it also meant that the message had to compete with a constant stream of competing philosophies and beliefs.
• Philosophical Skepticism: The presence of Epicureans and Stoics indicates a deep-seated skepticism towards traditional religious beliefs. These philosophical schools emphasized reason and logic, which could make it difficult for Athenians to accept the seemingly irrational concept of the resurrection.
• Idolatry and Polytheism: Athens was filled with temples and statues dedicated to various gods, reflecting a polytheistic worldview that was fundamentally at odds with the monotheistic message of Christianity. Paul had to carefully navigate this environment and present the Gospel in a way that challenged their existing beliefs without alienating them completely.
• Eloquence and Rhetoric: Athenians valued eloquence and persuasive speech, which meant that Paul had to present the Gospel in a compelling and articulate manner in order to gain their attention and respect. His address on Mars Hill is a testament to his ability to adapt his communication style to his audience.
• Value of Wisdom: Ancient sources indicate that the pursuit of wisdom was highly valued in Athens. This created an opportunity for Paul to present Christ as the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge, fulfilling their deepest desires and aspirations.
• Impact on Evangelism: Paul’s encounter with the Athenian mindset illustrates the importance of understanding the cultural and intellectual context in which we are sharing the Gospel. It calls for sensitivity, adaptability, and a willingness to engage with people on their own terms.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Acts 17:

• Q: Why did Paul start preaching in the synagogues?
  A: Paul, being a Jew himself, followed his custom of first preaching to his own people in the synagogues. These synagogues were established Jewish communities that already had knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, providing a foundational context for understanding Jesus as the Messiah. This allowed Paul to build upon existing beliefs and demonstrate how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.
• Q: What made the Bereans so “noble”?
  A: The Bereans are praised for their willingness to not only listen to Paul’s teachings but also to diligently study the Scriptures themselves to verify the truth of his message. This active and discerning approach to learning distinguished them from others who might have passively accepted or rejected Paul’s teachings without critical examination. They exemplify the importance of independent thinking and a commitment to truth-seeking.
• Q: Why did Paul mention “The Unknown God” in Athens?
  A: Paul skillfully used the Athenians’ own religious curiosity as a bridge to introduce them to the true God. By acknowledging their altar to “The Unknown God,” he created a common ground and demonstrated that he was not simply introducing a completely foreign concept but rather revealing the identity of the God they were already, albeit unknowingly, worshiping. This approach allowed him to connect with them on a spiritual level and present the Gospel in a more relatable way.
• Q: What is the significance of Paul’s speech on Mars Hill?
  A: Paul’s speech on Mars Hill is a landmark example of cross-cultural communication and contextualization of the Gospel. He adapted his message to the Athenian audience by referencing their philosophy and poetry, while still boldly proclaiming the truth about God, creation, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It demonstrates the importance of understanding the cultural context in which we are sharing the Gospel and tailoring our message to be relevant and understandable to our audience.

Conclusion

Acts 17 is a compelling narrative that underscores the multifaceted nature of evangelism. From the scriptural reasoning in Thessalonica to the discerning spirit of the Bereans and the contextualized message on Mars Hill, Paul’s journey exemplifies the dedication required to spread the Gospel. The responses—belief, skepticism, and outright rejection—remind us that sharing the truth is not always met with universal acceptance. The call to seeking God’s Truth remains a central theme, both for those receiving the message and for those proclaiming it. This narrative, steeped in historical and cultural context, offers enduring lessons for contemporary Christians. We are called to engage with the world, to understand its intellectual and spiritual currents, and to present the Gospel in a way that is both faithful to the truth and relevant to the listener. Like Paul, we must be bold, adaptable, and unwavering in our commitment to sharing the message of salvation.

Tags

Acts 17, Paul in Athens, Paul in Thessalonica, Paul in Berea, Areopagus, Unknown God, Bereans, Evangelism, Gospel, Scripture, Discernment, Coptic Orthodox, Missionary, Athens, Thessalonica

Meta Description

Explore Acts 17 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover Paul’s journeys in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. Learn about the noble Bereans seeking God’s Truth and Paul’s proclamation to the Unknown God.