Acts 17:22–34: The Unknown God and the Appointed Man
Introduction
Since he had only one shot to preach the gospel in the ancient, venerable city of Athens, Paul’s sermon in Acts 17:22–34 is instructive in what he says as well as what he does not say. With deceptive simplicity, Paul simultaneously critiques pagan understandings of creation, history, and the end of history at judgment day, but without ever naming the unknown God. He develops a biblical understanding of time and righteousness, but without ever appealing to Scriptures. He declares the one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, but without ever naming him or preaching his crucifixion. Yet, in this sermon, Paul holds out a fundamental truth to the Athenian people: God will judge the world by an appointed man.
Discussion Questions
1. Where or what is the Areopagus (v. 22a)? To whom is Paul most likely preaching in this sermon? What does Paul mean by “religious” (v. 22b)? What does Paul mean when he references the altar “to the unknown God”? What did the Epicureans believe about the origins of the world? What did Stoics believe about the nature of the world? What does Paul preach about the Creator and providential Sustainer of creation? Why are idols insufficient to image God (v. 29)?
2. What does it mean that God formerly “overlooked” the “times of ignorance” (v. 30a)? To what historical period of time does Paul refer? In what sense were people ignorant? What does it mean to “repent” (v. 30b)? Why do you think that Luke does not record Paul’s speaking about the cross, and instead jumping ahead to the day appointed for judgment (v. 31a)? Why do you think Paul speaks of the “man” God has appointed without naming him or his work (v. 32)?
3. How does the rhetorical structure of Paul’s address highlight the person and work of Jesus Christ, rather than diminishing that gospel declaration? What does Paul accomplish by highlighting the judgment of Jesus Christ rather than his redemption and salvation? Why do you think that he approached this sermon in this way? In what circumstances might you spend more time on creation, providence, and judgment?
4. Why does Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead assure us that he is the righteous man who will judge all the world? What does it mean that God has appointed him to this task? What kind of responses do the Athenians exhibit toward the gospel? Who is Dionysius, and what was his role (v. 34a)? Why do you think Paul mentions “a woman named Damaris” (v. 34)? How far does the gospel reach into Athens?
