Transcript ACTS Chapter 17 - My Power House

It’s Greek to Me
Viewing Acts Chapter 17
Prepared by: Soon Siak. June 2010
CRUNCHING n u m b e r s
Given a calculator and a
Bible, see which team
can arrive at the correct
final total most quickly.
CRUNCHING n u m b e r s
The correct answer is zero! 150 X
31+27,000/3+700+10-1,26010,000+666-666+7-7
In the game we just played, we
ended up with nothing, but if we
eagerly examine the Scriptures on
a regular basis, like the Bereans
did, we’ll certainly get something
out of it!
The Journey Continues
Can you think of a time when you’ve
been really jealous of someone? What
were you jealous of? Has anyone ever
been jealous of you? How did this
person show his or her jealousy?
The Journey Continues
Why were the Jewish leaders jealous of
Paul and his companions (v1-5)?
Because some of the Jewish people were
threatened by the things Paul and Silas
were saying. The religious leaders
probably weren’t getting the same kind of
response from people, especially the
prominent ones.
The Journey Continues
How did they deal with their jealousy
(v5-9)?
They started a riot, hoping to hurt Paul
and the others.
How do you deal with your jealousy?
Paul & Silas at Beroea
Contrast the people in Berea with
those in Thessalonica (v10-12). What
lesson can we learn from them?
The Bereans were eager to respond,
though they wanted to make sure
Scripture backed up what Paul and
Silas were saying. We should also
study Scripture to find out what it
really says.
Paul & Silas at Beroea
So why didn’t the Berean ministry
flourish (v13)?
Because the troublemakers from
Thessalonica had followed Paul Silas
and continued to try to stir up the
crowds against them.
Take note of the full account of what
happened in Berea and Thessalonica
(SPM2002). See the different reactions of
the Jews in both places (SPM1995).
Paul & Silas at Beroea
How did Paul and crew combat this
kind of persecution (v14,15)?
They spilt up. Paul, the most vocal
and visible of the group, moved on to
Athens. Silas and Timothy stayed
behind to follow up in Berea.
Persecution simply doubled the
spreading of the Gospel.
Paul at Athens
Beautiful Athens!
What were the pros and cons Paul
found in Athens (v16-21)?
The abundance of idols was
depressing. But on the other hand, it
allowed him to speak freely about
Jesus, the Son of the one true God,
The people were open-minded.
Paul at Athens
What was the first result of Paul’s
introducing the truth about God to a
group of people who tended to
worship many gods (v16-21)?
At first they were confused and
accused him of “babbling,” but their
curiosity was aroused to the point
they wanted to hear more.
Paul’s Speech on Mars Hill
How did Paul get the attention of these
curious, but skeptical, Greeks (v22-31)?
He found one of their altars offering praise
“To an unknown god.” With the many gods
and goddesses the Greek tried to appease,
this was no doubt a “catchall” altar in case
they missed one. But Paul used this to
suggest, “NO, you don’t know this God, but
I do. And let me tell you about Him.” Paul
also had a knowledge of Greek literature,
and quoted some of their own poets to
make his point in a place or two.
Paul’s Speech on Mars Hill
How did the Greek listeners respond
to Paul’s description of a single, living
God with power to raise people from
the dead, as opposed to the multitude
of man-made gods that were
represented in this area (v32-34)?
Like most other places, he had his
share of scoffers. But others followed
him and eventually believed in Jesus.
Paul’s Speech on Mars Hill
Full account of visits to Thessalonica
& Beroea (SPM1995a, SPM2002b).
His speech (SPM2001a, SPM2007a).
His adaptation in his speech to people
at Antioch-of-Pisidia, Lystra and
Athens (SPM2003b). See pg A77,
points 3 to 5 *impt*
Paul’s Speech on Mars Hill
Paul adapts speech to suit the Athenians.
He refers to their superstitious character
(v22) and among their objects of worship,
an altar to an unknown God.
Went on to explain who this God is.
God has implanted in man longings after
the Divine (v27).
With this divine longings, degrading to
God and man to make idols of gold, silver
etc (v29).
Paul’s Speech on Mars Hill
Paul adapts speech to suit the Athenians.
(continue…)
God had appointed a day when He will
judge the world (v31).
The Judge will be He whom He has raised
from the dead (v31).
The resurrection being the proof of the
judgment (v31).
Relate how Paul adapts his preaching to suit
different groups of people at Antioch-ofPisidia(A56Q4), Lystra (A61Q5) and Athens
(A77Q3-5) (SPM2003)
Are you ready?
th
27
Prepare for test June
 Luke 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
 Acts 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Announcements
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Prepare for BK SPM 2008 by participating in the
12th SPM Inter-school Quiz 2008!
SPM BK Quiz – teams of two students (both F5,
or F4 or F5&F4)
BK08 – individual participation (any student from
F1 – F6/College students)
SPM BK Quiz: Luke and Acts (GNB).
BK08: The speeches of the apostle Paul and
Peter in the Book of Acts. (GNB)
2nd August, 2008 at SMJK Katholik PJ, 7am-1pm
More details: www.su.org.my and www.tcfmy.org
Organised by the Malayan Christian Schools’
Council