Acts 17:16–21: Drawing Near to the Far Off
Introduction
Paul’s visit to Athens in Acts 17 is very similar to many of the journeys he and the other missionaries have made to different areas. He arrives, he begins evangelizing in the synagogue and with others in the area, and he ultimately shares the gospel to a broad group of people. Yet, there are major differences to this section in the way that the Athenians are such thoroughgoing Gentile pagans. Yet, for as much as Paul is distressed over the idolatry of the city, he does not turn away from them, but rather moves closer to them to share with them the gospel of Jesus. In this, Paul’s example sets a precedent for us to follow in our own contexts: draw near to those who are far off.
Discussion Questions
1. For whom was Paul waiting in Athens (v. 16a; see Acts 17:15)? What did Paul see and experience when he explored Athens while waiting for his fellow missionaries (v. 16b)? What does the word translated as “provoked” mean in the original Greek? Why does Luke use this word to describe Paul’s strong feelings against the idolatry he saw? How does the immorality that surrounds you provoke strong feelings of grief, anger, or disgust?
2. What does the word “so” in v. 17a convey about the connection to Paul’s being “provoked” and his actions in the rest of the section? What is the first place Paul goes after being provoked by the idolatry of Athens (v. 17b)? Why do you think that Paul goes to the Jewish synagogue as a result of seeing the idolatry? How is this approach to the Jewish synagogue different from other approaches to the Jewish synagogue?
3. What does v. 17c suggest about the length and depth of conversations that Paul had with the Greeks he met in the marketplace? Who were the Epicureans (v. 18a)? What groups of people today share their basic outlook and philosophical convictions? Who were the Stoics (v. 18b)? What groups of people today share their basic outlook and philosophical convictions? How did these people scoff at him or misunderstand him (v. 18c)?
4. Why did these groups ultimately take Paul and bring him to the Areopagus (v. 19a)? What do they ask for from him (v. 19b–20)? What does this suggest about the effectiveness of drawing near to those who are far off? What manifestations of sin and immorality provoke you in your spirit? Does the provocation you feel drive you toward, or away from, the people perpetrating those sins? How does Paul’s example challenge you to move toward the lost?
