Mediterranean Moments in Athens

We often speak of the culture of the people of the area of the Bible. We speak of our thoughts about the context of a passage by talking about “Mediterranean Moments in Athens” – placing the words of the Bible in the context of the culture of the day in which it was written.

Temple Builders

The people of the Bible lived in a time where temples were constructed to provide a home for their gods. Temples were built for pagan gods and goddesses, as well as for the gods of Greek mythology. The people of Israel did the same – first with a moveable tabernacle or tent, then with the permanent structure of Solomon’s Temple. Nehemiah and Zerubbabel rebuilt the Temple after the Babylonian Exile. Eventually Herod the Great would build and renovate the Temple in which God would dwell.

But Israel’s faithful understood their temples were just a representation. No matter how magnificent, no matter how splendid, they were not enough to house the God of the Bible. Solomon said, “Can the heavens contain you, Lord? How much less this temple that I have built” (1 Kings 8:27). Stephen, within our knowledge the first Christian martyr, testified, “The Lord does not live in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48).

As Jews from Thessalonica stirred crowds in Berea, the brother – perhaps some from Thessalonica and now new converts in Berea – escorted Paul to Athens. Paul tells the brothers to give instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens as soon as possible.

We are not given much of an itinerary for Paul when he arrives as a new city other than his habit of beginning to talk to people in the courts of the local synagogue. Today, nearly two thousand years since the time of Paul, the Acropolis and Parthenon are still the biggest draws for first-time visitors. Paul probably arrived in Athens and wandered the streets, markets and eateries of the city.

The View from the Hill

The term acropolis is used to describe the complex system of structures, plazas, pyramids and temples in Athens. The word acropolis stems from two Greek words (ἄκρον, AK-RON meaning “highest point, extremity” and πόλις, PO-LIS meaning “city”) and was used in places other than Athens. But the Acropolis of Athens provides the most striking and complete example of ancient Greek architecture still in existence.

Religious

As Paul wanders the streets of Athens, he undoubtedly meanders to the Acropolis and to the Parthenon. As he is waiting for his friends to catch up with him, Paul is “greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols” (Acts 17:16). Luke probably writes these words as an understatement. One ancient writer estimates that 30,000 gods found representation in Athens. Peterronius, an ancient historian, said that it was easier to find a god in Athens than a man.

Provoked to Act

Luke tells us that Paul’s spirit was moved when he paused to think about all of this idol worship. Idolatry provoked Paul’s sense of faithful loyalty to God. The Greek word Luke uses is παροξύνω (PA-ROCKS-OO-NAY) which means to irritate and provoke toward action. This bothered Paul enough that he was stirred to do something about it.

We get the English word paroxysm from this Greek word. Our word means “a sudden intense expression of strong feelings.” We also use it to describe a violent disturbance, including fast and furious weather events.

A Storm Brewing Inside

While we were on top of the Athenian mount, viewing the Acropolis, a speck of a cloud, appearing to be about the size of a quarter, emerged on the horizon. Within minutes the speck had become an angry spectacle, engulfing the area. Bringing us closer to angry blasts of electric energy than I ever wanted to be, fierce and ferocious rain covered us like a warm blanket on a winter’s night. Within minutes, the storm departed in search of its next victim.

That’s the word Luke uses to describe what happens inside Paul’s spirit.

We are not sure how long before Paul leaves Athens, but at this point he reasons with Jews and God-fearing Greeks at the synagogue. The storm compels Paul to talk to people about the overwhelming idolatry.

Compelled to Speak

Paul also spoke with people in the market place daily. This probably occurred in the Acropolis, although the city probably had more than one market area. Some theologians suggest that Paul’s time in Athens was a failure, but given the amount of space that Luke dedicates to Paul’s speech, it strikes me that the event is both significant and meaningful.

A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. The Epicureans were indifferent to the gods because they believed the gods to be too removed from “real life” to be of much concern. We would call them today “agnostic secularists.” They argued the chief good for human was pleasure. They believed the gods – if they existed – did not interfere with human affairs.

Stoics, on the other hand, were pantheists. They believed that gods could be seen everywhere. Instead of emphasizing pleasure, they believed that reason and wisdom were extreme good to be pursued. Stoicism was taught by a philosopher named Zeno, who lived about the same time as Epicurus. God was contained within creation. Stoics gritted their teeth and accepted their fate.

At Just the Right Time

As we read our Scriptures, this piece of information just seems random. We understand the intellectual and academic reputation for the city of Athens. We probably just glance past this reference.

But as we spend Mediterranean Moments in Athens, this event becomes anything but random.

Paul drew Epicureans and Stoics because he spoke their language. A Roman citizen, Paul hails from Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia. Paul himself said that Tarsus was “no ordinary city” (Acts 21:39 NIV). Tarsus was a city of the arts, but also an intellectual city of its own right. The library there once held 200,000 books. Zeno was said to have spent time teaching there.

A Remarkable Presentation

Paul’s address to the people of Athens is a remarkable presentation. At some point, we will spend time examining its purposes and points, but for our discussion we will look at Paul’s opening paragraphs.

If you have done any public speaking or teaching, you know how important the opening sentences are in a presentation. Scholars estimate that we have less than 10 seconds to capture the interest and attention of the listener. Will you engage the audience, bore them or antagonize them?

Greek orators were expected to start with complimentary comments about the city in which they were speaking. But do you remember Paul’s initial reaction to the city? Idolatry provoked – irritated – the spirit of the Apostle Paul. But instead of attacking them, he intrigued them with either irony or commendation. He was masterful in his choice of words.

A Very Religious People

Paul begins the speech by noting the Athenians are “very religious” (Acts 17:22 ESV). The word used is δεισιδαιμονέστερος (DICE-AH-DYE-MON-ES-TER-OS), a rather ambiguous term. It could be used in a very positive – religious – sense. But the word could also be used with a negative – superstitious – flavor. The people would have to continue to listen to know the context and explanation that Paul would give the word.

Paul was not ignorant of the culture, but he observed it enough to understand it with the intent of proclaiming the gospel within it (Acts 17:16, Acts 17:23). If we are to be better communicators of the gospel in a culture that does not embrace the Judaeo-Christian ethic, it is important to understand the language the culture uses.

Raised as Proof

We don’t change our words. We use them more shrewdly. Paul had their attention. He spoke of the God they understood must exist, but knew little about. He continued his argument by explaining that this God has communicated His truths to us through one Man. God established His validity by raising Him from the dead. It all comes down to the resurrection.

The Response of Culture to the Message of the Gospel

The people of Athens responded in three ways to the message of the gospel. The response is similar to how people respond to the gospel today.

Some Sneered

“When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered” (Acts 17:32 NIV). Some listeners immediately consider the message nothing more than babbling. Their worldview, their position in life, makes them immediately close their ears, minds and hearts. They do not want to hear or consider the message.

Their hearts are hard.

As an observation, we spend too much time trying to convince or persuade this group of people. Moving them from a position which does not listen to a place where they are willing to hear and consider will take more than your words. It will take movement of God’s spirit.

Some Wanted to Know More

Perhaps we should spend more time with the next group – the people who want to hear more and are willing to consider. “But others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject” (Acts 17:32 NIV). It may take further presentation of the gospel. Some people require more time and consideration to process new information. These listeners desire more communication.

Some Believed

Paul’s efforts were not without positive responses. “Some of the people became followers” (Acts 17:34 NIV). Luke names two of them: Dionysius, who was a member of the council, and a woman named Damaris.

We should know what non-Christians believe, and about the questions which they will probably ask about the Bible. The gospel message permeates our thinking enough that we can share it accurately and compassionately. We redeem time when our focus challenges those who are willing to listen.

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