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Acts 17

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

So Paul departed from among them.

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

What does Acts 17:15 mean?

Explanation

Acts 17:15 recounts the happenings immediately following the Apostle Paul's departure from the city of Berea due to the agitation created by some Jews from Thessalonica who opposed his message.

Paul's Roman citizenship would have afforded him some protection, and his swift removal to Athens likely aimed to ensure his safety.

Upon arrival, Paul promptly dispatches the people accompanying him with instructions for his fellow laborers in Christ, Silas and Timothy, to join him as soon as possible.

This indicates the urgency Paul felt for support, fellowship, and assistance in his mission.

The verse spotlights the importance Paul placed on his companions in ministry and the strategic nature of their mission efforts in spreading the early Christian gospel.

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Historical Context

The Book of Acts is traditionally ascribed to Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke, and it serves to document the history of the early Christian church after the ascension of Jesus.

Athens, where Paul awaited Silas and Timothy, was a prominent cultural and intellectual city of the ancient world, known for its philosophy, art, and politics.

Paul's presence there was significant due to Athens' influence and the potential for the spread of Christianity.

The travel to and from these cities, and the communication between the followers of Jesus, were likely conducted along Roman roads, which facilitated relatively swift movement for that era.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse speaks to several themes:

Divine Providence: Christian theologians might argue that Paul’s movements were orchestrated by God to facilitate the spread of the Gospel.
Ecclesiastical Community: The verse underscores the importance of the Christian community's support and working together in furthering the mission.
Persecution and Resilience: Theological insights can be drawn on how Paul’s experiences reflect the persecution faced by early Christians and their resilience in spreading the Gospel.
Guidance by the Holy Spirit: The call for Silas and Timothy stresses the early church's reliance on spiritual discernment and the dynamic guidance believed to be provided by the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse teaches about the value of teamwork in ministry or any collaborative effort.

There's an implicit message about the benefits of calling for help when needed and being part of a supportive community.

It could also be applied to modern situations by reminding individuals to quickly respond to the needs of others and recognizing the roles that various individuals can play in a larger mission.

Cross-References

Acts 15:40 – "And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God."
Acts 17:10-14 – Context leading up to Paul being brought to Athens and the reason behind it.
1 Thessalonians 3:2 – "And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:"

Language Study

The key terms in this verse in the original Greek language are as follows:

"And they that conducted" (Greek: ἐξοπομπεύω, exopompeuō): Escorting with the purpose of protection.
"Receiving a commandment" (Greek: παραγγελία, parangelia): An order or an instruction that is given with authority.
"To come to him with all speed": The phrase underscores the urgency and the importance of the request.
"They departed" (Greek: ἀπέρχομαι, aperchomai): Literally means to depart or to set off.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader Greco-Roman context, Athens was a hub of philosophical thought, and it had its own religious pantheon.

Paul's Christian message would have contrasted sharply with the polytheistic beliefs of this culture.

Comparison could be made to other religious and cultural messengers that operated in similar environments, like the various mystery religions or the philosophers who pushed for monotheism against the prevailing polytheistic beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not offer a direct interface with science, as it primarily deals with a historical account and logistical communication.

If broader scientific intersections are sought, one could explore the reliability of travel and communication methods in the ancient world, or the psychological aspects of social support during stressful times.

Commentaries

Commentaries from biblical scholars on Acts 17:15 would likely discuss aspects of the situation in Athens that awaited Paul, the threat that prompted his urgent departure from Berea, and the strategic role of his ministry aides, Silas and Timothy.

These experts might examine the verse from a historical-critical perspective, considering the social, political, and religious tensions of the time.

They might also analyze the literary structure of Acts and how this passage contributes to the narrative's progression of the spread of the Gospel.

Acts 17

Acts 17

What does Acts 17:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 17:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?