Atos 17
Kent Hughes · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 17
Hughes wrote, “So when men and women in Thessalonica were turned around by Christ, everyone else saw them as upside-down. A believer lives right-side-up in a topsy-turvy world.” (Preaching the Word - Acts) These men - Who? The proclaimers of the Gospel. Today that should apply to every saint, for we should all be proclaiming the Gospel with our lives and our lips. The world is flailing around in a stormy sea and going to hell and we sit comfortably and apathetically in the Ark of the Covenant with life preservers (named "Gospel") and refuse to through them to those around us who are drowning in their sins and will soon cease breathing and sink to the dark, dreary bottom of the sea (so to speak)! Ruth Graham says that a saint is a person who makes it easy to believe in Jesus. (Ray Pritchard How Your Life Can Change Those Around You) Pascal on these men as "upsetters" - The serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world next to the might of God. The men that move the world are the ones who do not let the world move them! Who have upset the world - KJV has a vivid picture "these that have turned the world upset down" They were lying! A false accusation! On the other hand, in another sense the Gospel was certainly "upsetting the world" but it was doing so in a good way for those who received it by faith! Indeed, the recipients of the good news did change kingdoms - from darkness to light, from the dominion of Satan to God (Acts 26:18-note)! Gilbrant adds that "The accusation that Paul and Silas had turned the inhabited world upside down has been a thrill and a challenge to true believers ever since. The world turned upside down is at last right side up. (The Romans used "the world" [the inhabited world] to mean the Roman Empire.) (Complete Biblical Library) Upset (387)(anastatoo from anastatos = made to rise up and depart from anistemi = to stand up) means to disturb, disquiet, unsettle, to disturb the balance or stability of, to incite to revolt, to cause to rebel, to instigate an uprising, to stir up sedition (Acts 21:38). Used in a letter of a bad little boy whose mother said, “He drives me mad." Used only 3x - Acts 17:6, 21:38 ("stirred up"), Gal 5:12 ("troubling you"). Gilbrant - Anastatoō is a compound comprised of the preposition ana , “up,” and the verb histemi, “to cause to stand.” The picture is of agitating or stirring up, provoking one to rise up in excitement. The action is most commonly applied to a state of mind as is the case in the papyri of the Koine Greek period. However, a remote meaning comes to us through the classical usage of the word anastatōsis. This noun refers not only to an “unsettling” or “disturbance” but in some instances a “destruction.” The latter connotation is found in the Septuagint’s single usage of anastatoō in Daniel 7:23. In the interpretation of Daniel’s dream the fourth beast represents a fourth kingdom which will devour the earth. It is said “to trample (anastatōsei) it and destroy it.” The destructive sense is clear as our word translates the Aramaic word dûsh, which means “to trample” or “thresh.” In the New Testament anastatoō appears only three times (Acts 17:6; 21:38; Galatians 5:12). The Jews may well have had the destructive sense of anastatoō in mind when they accused Paul of “turning the world upside down” (KJV). It appears they perceived that Paul’s preaching was not only stirring up, or upsetting to humanity, but destructive as well. It would not be difficult to read the same sense behind Paul’s words in Galatians 5:12. To be sure, the Judaizers were “troubling” the Church with their errant doctrine, but who can deny that Paul saw their heresy as destructive to true faith. (See Galatians 1:6,9; 2:15-21; 3:1-7; 5:1-4.) Again, it is easy to see the commander’s words to Paul (Acts 21:38) in this light. He was no doubt relieved to learn that Paul was not the troublesome Egyptian insurrectionist whose revolt had been so destructively unsettling for Rome. (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Robertson on the world - The use of oikoumenēn (supply genō or chōran the inhabited earth, present passive participle of oikeō) means the Roman Empire, since it is a political charge, a natural hyperbole in their excitement, but the phrase occurs for the Roman Empire in Luke 2:1. It is possible that news had come to Thessalonica of the expulsion of the Jews from Rome by Claudius (note). There is truth in the accusation, for Christianity is revolutionary, but on this particular occasion the uproar (Acts 17:5) was created by the rabbis and the hired loafers. The verb turned upside down anastatoō (here first aorist active participle) does not occur in the ancient writers, but is in Lxx and in Acts 17:6; Acts 21:38; Galatians 5:12. It occurs also in Harpocration (a.d. 4th cent.) and about 100 b.c. exanastatoō is found in a fragment of papyrus (Tebtunis no. 2) and in a Paris Magical Papyrus l. 2243f. But in an Egyptian letter of Aug. 4, 41 a.d. (Oxyrhynchus Pap. no. 119, 10) “the bad boy” uses it = “he upsets me” or “ he drives me out of my senses” (anastatoi me). It is not a “Biblical word” at all, but belongs to the current Koiné. It is a vigorous and graphic term. (Acts 17 - Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament) World (3625)(oikoumene the feminine participle present passive of oikeo = to dwell or abide) describes the inhabited portion of the earth, exclusive of the heavens above and hell below. The Romans used oikoumene in their secular writings to refer to the Roman Empire, for to them their empire equated with the whole world.
Atos 17
Hughes wrote, “Mankind is not moving toward extinction (as the Epicureans thought), nor toward absorption in the cosmos (as the Stoics supposed). But mankind is moving toward divine judgment....Everything is fine as long as we remain theoretical, but when we call for action, men begin to shift their posture and look at their watches. Seeing their accountability to the true God makes many uncomfortable. (Preaching the Word – Acts: The Church Afire) He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness - God, who created all men, must be the Judge of all men, and "the Judge of all the earth" will certainly "do right" (Ge 18:25). And since God both "created all things by Jesus Christ" (Eph 3:9-note), and has also "made peace through the blood of his cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself" (Col 1:20-note), it is appropriate that "He shall judge" all things by Christ (Jn 5:22,27 Mt 25:31). In English we miss the sense of the Greek verb translated "will" which is the verb mello which means to be about to do something (in this context to judge), to be on the point of judging. In other words it conveys a sense of this judgment as about to happen.
Atos 17
Hughes - Paul's sermon had three results—mockery, delay, and belief. The first two responses show that many did not care about truth. Some said, "Seedpicker... what a waste of time!" When the discussion went beyond fun and games, they cut it off. Others said, "We want to hear you again," but they cared little whether they actually did or did not, and they never did hear him again. Acts 17:33 and the opening verse of Acts 18:1 tell the story: "Paul left the Council... After this, Paul left Athens." Praise God—some truly believed and came to faith. But most apparently rejected the apostle's message and the Savior he proclaimed. When men were angry with him, Paul argued with them. When he was persecuted, he returned again to the place of persecution. But for intellectual flippancy and moral dishonesty he had no stomach. (Preaching the Word – Acts: The Church Afire) And others said, We will hear thee again of this matter - Were they sincere? We cannot discern from Luke's record. They may have had "good intentions" but the fact that Paul went out of their midst and soon departed from Athens strongly suggest that these "seekers" missed their opportunity of a lifetime! Dear reader, beware of "good intentions" when it comes to the Gospel! Good intentions are like checks drawn on a bank where you have no account! (cf Pr 14:23) As the old adage says “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” which probably comes from Samuel Johnson who said that “hell is paved with good intentions,” and the phrase “the road to” got added on later. Beware of falling into the deceptive "Athenian Abyss" of "mañana!" (Spanish for "Tomorrow") Good intentions are nice, but they are deadly deceptive unless they result in good actions (Acts 16:31+)! LIFE APPLICATION NOTE - WHY GOOD INTENTIONS CAN’T SAVE US Starting out with good intentions does not ensure the results will be good. Possessing good intentions does not guarantee that any action will be taken. Good intentions by themselves do not fulfill the demand to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Our ever-present bad intentions are often hidden from us. Good intentions can lead to false pride. Good intentions can seek to bypass and alter God’s clear commands. Good intentions can be a cover-up for ignoring or willfully disregarding God’s desires. Good intentions may appear to do so, but they cannot actually make up for bad deeds. Many people claim that they are acting with good intentions when, in fact, their efforts are half-hearted. They want to dictate the way God should accept them. But none of our best intentions can save us. "There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12+) It is always dangerous to put off until tomorrow what you can do today, especially when what you are putting off is the eternal salvation (or destruction) of your soul. There are many who have delayed only to die before they had another chance. If you are reading these notes and have put off receiving Christ as your Savior, then read Paul's warning in 2 Cor 6:1-2 (notice how Paul piles up time phrases to get our attention!)... And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain– for He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”. Others - A more polite group like those who had invited him to speak (Acts 17:19). They were unconvinced, but had better manners and so were in favor of an adjournment. This was done, though it is not clear whether it was a serious postponement or a courteous refusal to hear Paul further (probably this). It was a virtual dismissal of the matter. “ It is a sad story--the noblest of ancient cities and the noblest man of history--and he never cared to look on it again” (Furneaux) (Robertson).
Atos 17
Hughes wrote, “One of the great sins of the church today is the dispassionate hearing of God’s Word. Because of this, there are many who are spiritually ill, unable to comprehend the truths they once held dear. Only God can deliver His children from such apathy!” The philosophers in Athens were somewhere between rejecting the message and receiving the message. Others stated, “We will hear you again on this matter.” Matthew 12:30 Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” These folks had a “between” response—we will hear you again on this matter. They were closed to the message, but they were not excited and believing of the message. There are examples of these “between responses” in both the Old and New Testaments. Old Testament Example: 1 Kings 18:20-ff The prophet Elijah called for Ahab, the prophets of Baal, and the people to gather on Mount Carmel. Elijah gave the people a proposition. He wanted a show down between the false god Baal and the True God Jehovah! Before the show down and the futile acts of worship and prayer and sacrifice on the part of the false prophets and before Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord, poured 12 barrels of water on the sacrifice, and the fire of God fell— Elijah gave a challenge and a rebuke to the people. In 1 Kings 18:21 the Bible says, “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word.” New Testament Example: Acts 24:21-27: Paul had been arrested, arraigned, and was on his way to Rome to appear before Caesar. On his journey there the Lord opened up doors for Paul to share his testimony with powerful rulers of his day. The governor Felix heard Paul’s defense before the Jews. Acts 24:21-27 says, “unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’’’ 22 But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case." 23 So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. 24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. 27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.” The governor Felix had a “between” response! These folks in Athens had a ‘between’ response. Be very careful how you respond to the gospel! They said that they would hear Paul again on this matter, but there is no evidence that they ever did hear Paul again on the message of the resurrection. Joseph Parker wrote, “We say, ‘We will come again tomorrow.’ So we may, but Paul may not be there.” (Jack Andrews Expository Studies – Understanding Acts) Acts 17:33 So Paul went out of their midst. Acts 17:32-34 Power of the Gospel - Sermon by Ray Pritchard Acts 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries This is one of those short but deeply profound passages. He had dispensed truth and some mocked the truth. And so we picture him (albeit a bit sad I am sure) turning and walking out of this famous forum, departing the vaunted city of Athens, never to return again. Acts 17:34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. certain Acts 17:4; 13:48; Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 20:16; Romans 11:5,6 the Areopagite Acts 17:19; John 7:48-52; 19:38-42; Philippians 4:22 Acts 17:32-34 Power of the Gospel - Sermon by Ray Pritchard Acts 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SOME HEARERS HEARD AND BELIEVED! But some men - Praise God for this divine contrasting conjunction "but!" This rebuts those critics who say Paul's sermon in Athens was unsuccessful. These men simply fail to read the rest of the story! Masses did not accept Christ, but the power of the gospel did work among Athen's intellectual elite. God calls us to be salt, to be light, not to make believers. Only God can open a closed heart and blind eyes and deaf ears. It is however notable that there is no specific record of a church in Athens. Paul does call certain Corinthians the first converts on mainland Greece (1Co 16:15). Jack Arnold - The vast majority of the philosophers in Athens rejected Christ, but some did believe (cf Mt 7:13-14+ "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." ). God had decreed that some in the Areopagus would believe and turn to Christ. Even one of the judges of the court, Dionysius, received Christ. There was also a famous woman, perhaps a philosopher, Damaris, who yielded her life to Christ as Savior and Lord. What does this tell us? God saves some intellectuals. It is God’s plan to save all types and kinds of men. Yet, not many wise in the world are saved. (Paul and the Philosophers Acts 17:16-34) For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God. (1 Cor 1:26-29) J
Atos 17
Hughes has a sobering application for all believers in the modern church - If we are believers, if we truly know Christ, we must never hear or read God's Word in a detached manner. We must pay attention to God with all our being. We must never give way to a cerebral detachment when it comes to divine things. We must always respond. Jesus stated the principle beautifully in Matthew 13:12: "Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." When truth comes, we must interact with it and appropriate it. One of the great sins of the church today is the dispassionate hearing of God's Word. Because of this, there are many who are spiritually ill, unable to comprehend the truths they once held dear. Only God can deliver his children from such apathy! Prayer - O God, help us not to consider your Word in a casual, unfeeling way. May our hearts burn with sacred truth—flames of the Holy Spirit that cannot remain within us but must overflow to others, drawing them into personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. May our grief over the idolatry all around us move us to speak and live the gospel, so that others will come into your precious kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.(Preaching the Word – Acts: The Church Afire) (Bold added)