Thursday, June 12 – Acts 17, 18

1. In response to God’s call through the vision of a man pleading for help, which cities in Macedonia did Paul and his companions visit? (Acts 17:1)

2. What was the central theme of Paul’s preaching? (Acts 17:3)

3. What did the new believers do to protect Paul and his companions? (Acts 17:10)

4. How did Luke describe the Bereans in his account? (Acts 17:10–12)

5. As Paul walked the streets of populous, idolatrous Athens and saw its lavish pagan temples, where was he brought to argue with Greek philosophers? (Acts 17:16–21)

6. When Paul addressed the gathered crowd, which inscription did he reference in his message? (Acts 17:22–32)

7. Who came to believe because of that encounter? (Acts 17:34)

8. What comforting words did Jesus say to Paul in a vision? (Acts 18:9–10)

We accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Upon returning to their home base in Antioch of Syria, they reported on the journey, only to face division caused by pressure from some Jewish Christians who had come from Jerusalem. They insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and adhere to the ceremonial law. Consequently, the leaders of Antioch sent a delegation to Jerusalem to resolve the issue, with Paul and Barnabas participating in that delegation.

This led to the First Church Council in Christian history. The outcome was wise and balanced: Gentile believers would not be burdened with Jewish practices. They were only required to follow God’s moral law, abstaining from dishonorable behaviors and from consuming blood, a principle still relevant today.

After returning to Antioch, Paul suggested revisiting the churches established during their first journey to strengthen the faith of the believers. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, offering him a second chance after he had abandoned the first trip. Paul, however, disagreed, preferring not to take the risk. They parted ways and formed two missionary teams.

Thus began Paul’s second missionary journey, which is the focus of today’s reading. This time, Paul was accompanied by Silas, a trusted brother from Jerusalem who had brought the council’s letter to Antioch. Silas proved to be a loyal companion, even in prison.

Paul revisited the churches he had established and was soon guided further by a vision urging him to cross from Asia into Europe. This marked a turning point in the history of the gospel’s expansion.

Athens was the cradle of classical philosophy. Among its thinkers were the Epicureans, who valued comfort and pleasure, and the Stoics, who championed austerity, believing that the poorer a person was, the wiser and more honorable they became. Famous figures like Zeno and Aristotle were associated with these schools.

In this intellectual capital, Paul engaged in debate in the marketplace and was brought to the Areopagus, where he famously addressed the Athenians. He referenced an altar he had seen with the inscription: “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” (Acts 17:23, NKJV) From this, he preached about the true God, the Creator and Judge of all.

Some mocked, but others believed: “However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” (Acts 17:34, NKJV)

Later, in Corinth, Paul was discouraged, but the Lord comforted him in a night vision: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9–10, NKJV)

What confidence can we have today in the same words spoken to the persecuted apostle? We have nothing to fear when fulfilling the mission entrusted to us. God still has “many people” in our cities, souls ready to believe. We need not fear.

The stories in the book of Acts are truly inspiring. God guided these devoted servants as they shared the gospel in remote areas. This same promise remains true today. Our responsibility is to trust the One who has commissioned us.

Just as Paul and the other apostles began the work, we must complete it before Jesus returns. May that day come soon. Amen!

May God bless us with the same courage, vision, and commitment as the early church.