“Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy — The Second Missionary Journey: Paul in Athens, Pagan Capitol of the Gentiles”

Our subtitle today, “Paul in Athens, Pagan Capitol of the Gentiles” was chosen from the content of Acts chapter 17 where we read that the apostle Paul was “delivered” by the Berea believers to this leading ancient city, the capital of the pagan religions of the west.  Athens was named after the presumed goddess Athena where the greatest monument to her was located. That monument, one of the greatest architectural and engineering achievments of ancient man, named the Parthenon, was visible to all in the city.  In Paul’s day it must have been quite a sight with its grand architecture and artistry.  But Athens was also the West’s center of human learning or philosophy.  Because the leading philosophers of the day heard of Paul’s preaching in the synagogue, they demanded he explain these presumed “new gods” that he spoke of everywhere he went, named “Jesus” and “Anastasia” (or “Resurrection”, as the word means in the Greek language).  The Athenian “Supreme Court” on Mar’s Hill was the location for this formal review by the elite governmental leaders of that land.  What is preserved here though is his presentation to those listening regarding Jesus and his glorious resurrection and how his resurrection certifies our Lord Jesus and him alone as the coming judge of all mankind.  Needless to say, the response to his words was not too positive with only a few believing his good news and following after him for more teaching.  But God’s will for Athens that day was fulfilled nevertheless, of that we can be sure.