Paul taken to Areopagus (v19-21)

(1) The philosophers who were interested in what Paul had to say took him to the Areopagus. (a) It is unclear whether Paul was invited or summoned to appear. (b) “Areopagus” can refer either to a location or to a council. If it refers to a location, it is Mars Hill. If it refers to the council, it is a building within the Agora. (c) This council was the stronghold of the aristocratic forces in Athenian politics. It consisted of 30 council members and served a role similar to that of the Roman Senate. (d) The council held authority over matters of religion, morality, and education, and it was responsible for scrutinizing the teachings and activities of itinerant teachers. (2) Under Roman law at that time, it was illegal to promote a new religion. (a) The Athenian philosopher Socrates was convicted and executed in 399 BC for denying the traditional gods and teaching dangerous ideas that misled the youth. (b) Although what was happening to Paul here was a hearing rather than a trial, he was certainly exposed to a degree of risk. (3) Luke includes a parenthetical remark for readers unfamiliar with Athenian culture: “Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.” The residents of Athens had an unusually strong interest in new information. Because of this, Paul was given the opportunity to testify at the Areopagus.

Paul condemning idolatry

(1) The Jewish people were originally inclined toward idolatry, but after experiencing the Babylonian captivity, they were freed from it. (2) Athens reached its peak during the time of Pericles (495-429 BC). What was happening in Israel during this period? (a) The events recorded in the Book of Nehemiah (445-420 BC). (b) The ministry of the post-exilic prophets (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). While Israel was turning back to God, Athens was spreading idolatry.

Here we see a confrontation between Hellenistic thought and the gospel. Greek philosophers were advocates of Hellenistic ideas. The intellectual center of the world was producing idolatry. Athenian idolatry deified humanity and nature, but idols hold no power to elevate mankind. To the wise of Athens, Paul proclaimed the death and resurrection of Jesus. Today, the idols of Athens exist only as ruins. Yet the gospel Paul preached continues to spread throughout the world. Blessed are those who stand upon eternal truth.