Introduction

In the previous passage, Paul’s ministry in the province of Macedonia concluded. From this point, his ministry in the province of Achaia begins. Paul’s evangelism in Athens may not have been part of his original plan. His initial plan might have been as follows: continue westward through Macedonia to the opposite coast, then take a ship directly to Rome. However, Paul did not go to Rome. Possible reasons include: (a) the recent issuance of an edict expelling Jews from Rome, and (b) the increasing difficulty of traveling safely through Macedonia.

A city full of idols (v 16)

“Now while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he observed that the city was full of idols.” (1) Athens is a city located about 5 miles (8 km) inland from the Aegean Sea. It is the central city of Greece and is also famous as the birthplace of democracy. Due to its cultural and political achievements in the 4th to 5th centuries BC, Athens had a profound impact on Europe. (2) The golden age of Athens had ended about 500 years earlier. By the time Paul visited, Athens had lost its status as a premier city. However, it remained a central hub for philosophy, art, and literature within the Roman Empire (Alexandria, Tarsus, Athen’s three major university cities). (3) Here, Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy to arrive. The two had remained in Berea. Paul’s waiting period was likely only about a week. During this time, Paul began evangelizing alone. The reason for this was that “his spirit was being provoked.” As he saw that “the city was full of idols,” he was deeply moved. The name Athens itself was given in honor of the goddess Athena. Atop the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena. This city was filled with numerous temples and sculpted statues. As a Jew, Paul felt a deep indignation when he saw that the city was full of idols. While Athens’ ruins represent cultural heritage to us today, to Paul, these structures were reflections of idolatry. Although he was likely accustomed to Greco-Roman cities, the idolatry in Athens exceeded his tolerance. The satirical writer Petronius wrote, “In Athens, it is easier to find a god (idol) than a man.” We too live in a world filled with idols. Feeling indignation at the sight of idolatry can fuel our energy for evangelism. Let us love those who practice idolatry and pray for their salvation.