Paul in Athens

Paul continued his second Missionary Journey by stopping in the wealthy and cultured city of Athens. Idols and altars of false gods filled the city. Paul addressed a group of philosophers meeting on a rock hill called the Areopagus (Mars Hill). Idols were humanity's attempt to make gods, but Paul preached that humans cannot make the true God. God has created humans, and all that is in the world. There is only one God, and it is wrong to put anything above him.

God is the only one worthy of our worship. We should not think or act as any person or thing is more important than him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Acts 17:16-34
• Psalm 145:2-3

Outline:

1. Paul teaches in Athens (Acts 17:16-21)
2. Paul’s Sermon at the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-31)
3. Responses to the Message (Acts 17:32-34)

Tips for teaching children:

• Research online or in the library to find information about Athens.  Look for photos of the Areopogus, where Paul spoke.
• Talk about idols.  These could be statues and temples like in Athens.  In a general sense, anything we worship or think is more important than God can be called an idol.

Tips for teaching adults:

•  As the teacher, it will be helpful to Google “Epicureanism” and “Stoicism” or find material in a Bible encyclopaedia/dictionary and write down summaries of their philosophies, especially as Paul touches on aspects of them in the speech on the Areopagus.  Bring this info to class and share it with the class as a background to the story.  Links to Wikipedia:
  • Epicureanism   
  • Stoicism  
•  Questions and Discussion topics:
  • What does Paul affirm about this ‘unknown God’ that he is now making known to them? 
  • What are the attributes of God?  
  • What does he want them to know about the true and living God? 
  • In what ways does this speech challenge us about who the true and living God is?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Paul Preaches in Athens-Mars Hill 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org