Acts 17–18

Acts 17 and 18 take Paul into the intellectual capital of the ancient world and the commercial center of the Roman Empire. At Athens he stands before the greatest philosophical minds of his generation and declares the unknown God by name. At Corinth he spends eighteen months building one of the most significant churches in the New Testament. Read both chapters fully before working through this lesson.

Verses 1–9: Thessalonica — Turning the World Upside Down

At Thessalonica Paul reasoned from the scriptures for three Sabbaths, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. Some Jews were persuaded, along with a great number of devout Greeks and prominent women. But the unbelieving Jews formed a mob, seized Jason, and dragged him before the city officials with a charge that has echoed across history: These men have turned the world upside down and have come here also.

Verses 10–15: Berea — The Noble Standard

Sent away to Berea by night, Paul and Silas found believers of more noble character than those in Thessalonica. The Bereans received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many believed — including prominent Greek women and many Greek men. But when the Thessalonian Jews learned Paul was in Berea they pursued him there too. The brothers sent Paul immediately to the coast.

Verses 16–34: Athens — The Unknown God

While waiting in Athens, Paul was greatly distressed to see the city full of idols. He reasoned in the synagogue and in the marketplace daily. Epicurean and Stoic philosophers brought him to the Areopagus. Paul stood and delivered one of the most brilliant apologetic sermons in history. He began not with condemnation but with observation: I see that in every way you are very religious — for as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship — and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

Paul quoted their own poets. He called them to repentance. He declared the resurrection. Some sneered. Some said they wanted to hear more. Some believed — including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris.

Verses 1–11: Corinth — God Says Stay

At Corinth Paul met Aquila and Priscilla — tentmakers like himself, recently expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius. He lived and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue. When the Jews resisted and became abusive Paul declared: From now on I will go to the Gentiles. He moved to the house of Titus Justus next door. Crispus the synagogue ruler and his entire household believed. Many Corinthians heard and were baptized.

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking. Do not be silent. For I am with you and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. Paul stayed a year and a half teaching the Word of God.

Verses 24–28: Apollos — Eloquent but Incomplete

A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a learned man with thorough knowledge of the scriptures, fervent in spirit, and he taught about Jesus accurately — but he only knew the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him they invited him to their home and explained the way of God more accurately. He became a powerful minister in Achaia, vigorously refuting the Jews in public debate and proving from scripture that Jesus was the Messiah.