Paul’s arrival in Athens, a city filled with idols (some estimate thirty thousand idols), greatly distressed him. The Greek word used here, kateidōlos, means “full of idols,” suggesting the city had overwhelmingly turned itself over to idolatry.
Paul chose to begin teaching about Jesus in the Jewish synagogue. He knew the Jews were familiar with the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah and would most easily understand the connection between Jesus and those prophecies. Paul taught that God fulfilled His promises through Jesus.
Then Paul sought out Greeks who believed in the one true God, eager to teach them about Jesus and the resurrection. Paul taught in the marketplaces, the streets, and anywhere he could gather an audience. Some men he conversed with were intrigued, while others dismissed his teaching as foolish. Paul also sought out some of the leading philosophers of the time, including the Epicureans (ep ih kyoo REE uhn iz uhms) and the Stoics (STOH ihks). The Epicureans believed that while gods exist, they do not interfere with human life. The Epicureans responded to Paul’s teachings with contempt. The Stoics were pantheists who believed that God (or the divine) exists in everything and does not exist as a separate entity. They thought Paul was introducing them to two new gods—Jesus and the resurrection.
These philosophers invited Paul to speak at the Areopagus (ehr ih AHP uh guhs), a rocky hill near the Acropolis (uh KRAHP uh liss) called Mars Hill. The Areopagus was the center of intellectual and cultural exchange in a city known for its philosophical heritage.
At this site and to these elite thinkers, Paul preached one of the most significant sermons of his lifetime. He opened his message by building a bridge to his listeners. Paul acknowledged that the men of Athens considered themselves to be very religious. He pointed out the many “objects of worship” around the city as evidence of their faith. Paul further emphasized their religiosity by referencing the statue dedicated to an “unknown god,” erected lest they inadvertently omit a god.
Paul explained that God is not like the Greek idols. He is the one true God who made everything in the world; human hands dictate nothing about Him. Paul’s message at the Areopagus was a call to repentance, urging the Athenians to turn from their idolatry and accept the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the assurance of God’s coming judgment.
Paul’s sermon at the Areopagus shows us that the gospel is universal, regardless of the culture or background of the hearer. As you pray this week, ask God to give you the opportunity and the courage to follow Paul’s model of evangelism. Ask Him to cross your path with people who need to hear the good news of Jesus.
