Bible Commentaries
Acts 17

Verses 1-34

At Thessalonica and Berea the apostle visited the synagogues, and again in each case persecution arose from the Jews. A sentence which fell from the lips of the leader of the mob shows with what rapidity the Gospel was winning its way. Said they, "These that have turned the world upside down have come hither also."

Passing on to Athens, we have the wonderful account of Paul's action there. The effect on him of what he saw is revealed in the statement, "His spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols." When at last he found himself confronting the wise men on Mars Hill he delivered a message characterized by courtesy and clarity from their standpoint, and at last declared to them the great doctrine of the resurrection. Basing his message on what he found among them, with masterly skill he built a structure which led him to this statement of the resurrection. His address consists first of declarations concerning God; second, of declarations concerning man's relationship to God; and, third, a declaration of the position of Christ as vindicated by His resurrection.