The Unknown God - Paul's Legal Defense at the Areopagus in Acts 17

This post is going to focus on what was happening during the famous Mars Hill discussion of Acts 17 where Paul talked about an unknown God. While many believe that this was just a friendly theological/philosophical discussion, where Paul cleverly draws on local customs to make analogies to the God of Israel, this post is going to show that Paul was actually on trial, making a legal defense for the religion he was sharing.

It's worth reading the whole chapter, but the part we are going to focus on is:

A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, "What is this nonsense?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?" You are bringing some strange ideas to us, and we would like to know what they mean." (Athenians spend their time talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, "People of Athens! 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. 

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'" -Acts 17:18-28

Many pastors have given the impression that the Areopagus (often translated as Mars Hill) was some sort of hangout for local would-be philosophers, where people have friendly discussions about differing religious, political, and societal issues. I actually remember hearing a Bible college professor describe it like the Parisian cafes of the Lost Generation, where authors and artists drank coffee and debated and discussed the latest ideas of the time. As someone with a brand new idea, Paul would have been welcomed and celebrated, and Paul is cleverly emphasizing local cultural customs as a stepping stone to help the Athenians understand his message.

But that's not what is going on at Mars Hill. This is a law court, and not an inconsequential one. The Areopagus was the highest court in Athens. Paul is under trial.

We can see that Paul is under trial because:

-The Areopagus is a judicial court. It is not a hangout place or debate club.

-When Paul was "taken" to the Areopagus, the Greek word used means seized or arrested.

But what was the legal issue that Paul was charged with?

"He seems to be advocating foreign gods." -Acts 17:18

Much of the book of Acts deals with the legal adventures and implications the apostles went through when they spread the message of the Messiah across the world. Keep in mind that according to the social order of the day, appeasing the local deities was thought to bring protection from enemies, natural disasters, crop loss, an so on. Worshipping the local gods was seen as a civic duty. Even though cities and empires paid tribute to multiple gods and goddesses (in Athens - Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Ares, and Nike for starters), throwing a new god into the mix was not something that was done. Actions like that were seen as political upheaval and even revolution. This literally undermined the social order of the day.

The punishment for such a charge wasn't light either. We know from historic evidence that the Areopagus tried capital cases, and that death sentences were handed out and followed through on. In 399 BC the philosopher Socrates was tried there for impiety - the crime of failing to worship the gods of Athens - and was sentenced to death for it on his conviction.

So when officials ask, "What teaching are you talking about?" they are not making polite conversation over coffee. This has legal implications that Paul needs to defend.

How does Paul defend himself on the charge of introducing foreign divinities?

He points out that they have an altar to an unknown god.

Paul is saying that he can't be introducing foreign gods because the true Living God was already being worshipped in Athens - although it was in ignorance. Since there was a shrine in the city, this God could not be foreign. Indeed the poets of Athens had glimpsed him! This was not a man from a far country trying to import a Middle Eastern deity to Greece.

Unknown, yes. But foreign, no. The Athenians needed to learn about this God - and Paul was there to help.

Paul believed that YHWH was already present in Athens, but needed proper recognition. 

It's worth noting that Luke (the author of Acts) does not seem to believe that Paul is just trying to be friendly by demonstrating his appreciation for the local culture. This idea is dismissed almost immediately by Paul's next statement.

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands."

This is a verse that we read like a pretty piece of poetry. But let's rewind and remember that Paul is standing in the Court of Areopagus in ancient Athens. He and his listeners can see, right then and there, the Parthenon, Nike's temple and likely other temples of the Acropolis. Not only are these temples visible - and truly stunning pieces of architectural achievement and beauty - but most everything about Athenian society was structured around serving these gods and goddesses. And that's where Paul chooses to say, "God does not live in handmade temples"! 

Paul is stating quite plainly that these architectural triumphs are a mistake. You can see how his audience would have been affronted by him declaring that the Athenian way of doing things was misguided at best. So it's hard to see his comments about your own poets, and so forth as an appeal to local sensibilities. Paul is not going easy here.

But what is Paul doing? He's making a case that even within this system, it is legal to worship this unknown God.

Paul is saying that it is legal to worship YHWH.

He's not just doing this to protect his own life or the lives of his travel companions. He is pleading this case, so that the residents of Athens know they are free to turn from the idols of their city and worship YHWH! 

What happened on Mars Hill was more than just a lively discussion about religion. The cities leaders were trying Paul to make sure that he was abiding by their laws. By making his case in the Areopagus court, Paul set a legal precedent for citizens of Athens to worship YHWH.

If you're interested in learning more about this I would recommend NT Wright's book The Challenge of Acts.

Related posts:
What No Greater Burdens Means in Acts 15
The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:19-20
What Does Grafted In Mean in Romans 11?

What Does Grafted In Mean in Romans 11?

What are believers grafted into? What is the meaning of Romans 11? What was the branch that was cut off? This post will take a closer look at this passage of Romans and the meaning of being grafted in for believers today, and offer fresh commentary on this misunderstood part of Scripture.

The chapter opens with Paul addressing the question of if God has rejected his people. He explains that this is not the case, saying plainly that, "YHWH has not rejected his people whom he knew beforehand." He then goes on to talk about the northern kingdom of Israel, and some writings of King David before getting to the part this passage is known for.

"Branches were broken off, and you being a wild olive tree, have been grafted in among them to share the root and richness of the olive tree." -Romans 11:17

The popular interpretation of this verse as seen on tee shirts and ministry logos and spoken by teachers and rabbis is this: the Jews in the New Testament that rejected the Messiah are the branches that were broken off, so that "Gentile" people could have salvation and eternal life. The Jews said no, so God decided to extend the offer to other people - the story goes. The Messianic movement uses this interpretation to tell believers that they need to look and act Jewish, because they mistakenly think that Judaism is what you get grafted into. But this is not the case!

This analogy has been misunderstood, and this chapter of the Bible isn't talking about those who rejected the Messiah in his day. If we zoom out and look at the broader context, we can see that this passage is talking about the House of Israel being scattered or cut off back in 2 Kings 17, which would have been a pressing issue to the disciples and early church.

The context of Romans 11 is not focused on the house of Judah or those practicing Judaism. The context is the house of Israel. According to 1 Kings 11, Israel and Judah became two distinct kingdoms. The house of Israel was scattered or cut off because of idolatry back in 2 Kings 17. This was a historic event where the people of Israel went into other nations and mixed - physically living elsewhere, and intermarrying with non-Israelites. Even though YHWH sent them away at that time, they are invited to come back to the kingdom through the work of the Messiah!

This is why a few chapters earlier, in Romans 7, Paul talks about the Biblical laws related to remarriage when the wife has been unfaithful to her husband. Because that's exactly what Scripture likens the house of Israel to...an unfaithful bride. This is why Jeremiah 3 tells us that YHWH divorced Israel. When Scripture speaks of divorce as "putting away," that fits with the northern tribes of Israel literally being sent from the promised land into the nations. That's not a vague spiritual principle, it physically happened when he exiled Israel in 2 Kings 17.

When the people of Israel physically moved from the promised land they became 'mixed' with the people in the new places they lived. In the sense that they lived among others, but more significantly, that they began to act like other nations and didn't follow Scripture's commandments for worshiping God. When they intermarried, the children they produced were both part of Israel and from the nations, but it's likely that after a few generations most people would have no idea their ancestors had physical heritage in Israel! 

"By their fall deliverance has come to the nations." -Romans 11:11b

Why is it important to know what grafted in means? 

Highlighting this overlooked detail of Scripture illuminates many other passages of the Bible. That verse in Jeremiah 3:6 about God divorcing Israel is not just a vague spiritual principle, but is tied to this specific historical event.  The prophet Hosea naming his child, 'Not My People,' changes my perspective of that from being a strange thing to do, to seeing the powerful message of redemption when YHWH says, "I will say to those who were not my people, 'You are my people.' And they will say, 'You are my God,'" (Hosea 2:23). Paul's analogy in Romans 7 about a bridegroom not being able to remarry an unfaithful bride shows the necessity of why the Messiah had to die: to remarry unfaithful Israel.

When we look at Romans 11 through this light, it fits with many other parts of the Bible, including much of the Old Testament. The northern kingdom of Israel being restored would fit with prophecies such as Ezekiel 37 and the valley of dry bones coming back to life. It would tie together historic events from the Bible, prophecies of Israel and Judah coming back together, and the writings of Paul. And it would still mean that now all people are free to be grafted into the olive tree of the people of God.

But if we choose to look at the analogy of the olive tree as being that the New Testament Jews are what get cut off the tree, that would really be a brand new idea in the Bible. 

To review:

The branches of the olive tree that were cut off, were the people of Israel's northern kingdom, after it split from Judah. They were cut off because they repeatedly chose to disregard Biblical laws and partake in the worship of idols. This happened roughly around 925 BC.

This passage is not saying that Jewish people were cut off, which would have theoretically happened around 50 AD.

This is not to say that Biblical things that many Christians think of as being 'Jewish' or 'just for the Jews' do not still apply to believers today. After all, each of us is grafted into the olive tree, and the olive tree is about worshipping YHWH and having the freedom to do the things he has called us to do - including things like keeping Sabbath days.

But this passage does highlight that God's people are not just one specific culture or ethnicity. All of us get to take part in the things of YHWH - forgiveness of sins, the fruit of the spirit, celebrating what he celebrates, resting when he says rest, and following his commandments. 

Related posts:
The Two Houses: Israel and Judah in Scripture
Why Paul Withstood Peter in Galatians 2
The Covenant of Vocation - The Death of Jesus Freed Us from Idolatry

How Did John the Baptist Prepare the Way for Jesus? Three Moral Directives from John the Baptist (Luke 3)

John the Baptist is famously known as the one who prepared the way for the Savior. We know from Scripture that he was just six months or so older than his cousin Jesus. And because he prepared the way, he is often quickly brushed aside, but his words and actions laid the groundwork for the Messiah's good news. Because of John's work, people were better able to understand and receive Jesus later on. I think we should examine what he had to say and what advice of his the Bible records!

How exactly did he prepare the way for Jesus? I don't think it was just about him announcing that someone greater was coming, though that's an obvious example. I think he began speaking of the things that were near to the heart of the Savior's message. 

Have you thought about that before? John the Baptist's message fit with the message of Jesus. And not just because he said the kingdom of heaven was at hand. For those who heard John's words, his message prepared them to better receive and understand the words of the Messiah.

What was the message of John the Baptist?

Take a look at this passage from Luke 3:

"What should we do?" asked the crowds.

"Anyone who has two cloaks," replied John, "should give one to someone who hasn't got one. The same applies to anyone who has plenty of food."

Some toll-collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they said, "what should we do?"

"Don't collect more than what is laid down," he replied.

Some soldiers, too, asked John, "What about us? What should we do?"

"No extortion," replied John, "and no blackmail. Be content with your wages."

-Luke 3:10-14

Stop hoarding things. Share what you have. Don't take more than you're entitled to, or more than what's reasonable. Don't extort anyone. Be content with what you have.

These things prepare the way for the kingdom of Heaven.

It's interesting that he directs different instructions at different groups. When he tells the tax collectors that they shouldn't collect more money than what is required of them, he's not saying it's fine for them to use extortion or blackmail. 

This is because he's speaking about things that are generally considered acceptable by those groups. John is saying that we shouldn't let our culture or setting dictate what is morally right or wrong. That's not to say that we can't do things that are part of our workplace vernacular or culture, but he is saying we certainly shouldn't when that means we violate commandments from God. This message fits with the Messiah's.

We see the Messiah say many similar things to what John taught here.

-"Sell what you have and give to the poor." -Matthew 19:21

-"Be on guard against greed, for life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." -Luke 12:15

-"Woe to you for being full of robbery." -Matthew 23:25

-"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or drink, or wear." -Matthew 6:25

While our world today celebrates constant striving to accumulate more things and status, both Jesus and John the Baptist encouraged the opposite behavior. Rather than hoarding wealth, they taught sharing and giving. 

This is a core tenet of the Gospel. Having faith isn't just about going to Heaven...it should change how we live here and now. As followers of the Messiah we are called to live differently and help others. We are not called to a life of greed, and our focus shouldn't be on constantly trying to make more money or have the newest or best possessions. The Creator of the world did not give you life so that you can be controlled by greed.

How can we work to honor these instructions in our lives today?

Related posts:
Fifty Ways to Love Your Neighbor
Giving When You Don't Have the Finances
How to Pray for Our World

The Beginner's Guide to First Fruits (Celebrating the Savior's Resurrection the Biblical Way)

In this post we examine the basics of First Fruits, which is a Biblical holiday that happens shortly after Passover within another Biblical holiday, the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This is the day that Jesus rose from the grave! By learning more about this holiday we can worship the Messiah in deeper ways and celebrate his resurrection at the Scripturally appropriate time. We will talk about what this holiday means and share practical ideas for celebrating and taking part in such a joyous occasion!

What is First Fruits? 

First Fruits is one of the Biblical holidays and it happens within another Biblical holiday, the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It is a special part of Unleavened Bread. In Levitical times, it was the day when the priests presented a wave offering of the 'first fruits' of the harvest that year - barley. It's also the day that the Messiah rose from the dead and presented himself to his Father!

Where is First Fruits in the Bible?

Details on First Fruits are seen in Leviticus 23:9-14 (usually spelled Firstfruits).

What Bible verses relate to First Fruits?

Leviticus 23:9-14
Deuteronomy 26
Matthew 28
Mark 16
Luke 24
John 20
1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Biblical events have taken place on First Fruits:

-The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. (Matthew 28)

-Israel crossed over the Red Sea after leaving Egypt in the Exodus story. (Exodus 3:18, 5:3)

-Israel ate the first fruits of the Promised Land. (Joshua 5:10-12)

-The Temple was cleansed and sacrifices were reinstated under the reign of King Hezekiah. (1 Chronicles 29:17-18)
-Queen Esther foiled the plot of Haman. (Esther 3:12, 5:1)
-Noah's ark possibly came to rest on Mount Ararat after the flood on First Fruits.

-The walk to Emmaus, where the Savior "expounded on all things concerning himself" from Scripture to a couple of his followers. (Luke 24:13-15)

Why celebrate First Fruits?

This is the day that Jesus rose from the dead! If that's not worth our attention and celebration, what is? When he rose from the dead, no one called the day Easter. First Fruits is about doing our best to worship the Messiah in ways consistent with what the Bible teaches.

Who should celebrate First Fruits?

First Fruits should be celebrated by all Bible believers. If you want to celebrate the Savior defeating the grave and coming back to life, the Biblically correct day to do so would be on the day of First Fruits. 

The Bible holidays were given to all of God's people and all Bible believers may take part in them, regardless of ethnicity, spiritual background, ancestry, etc.

How is First Fruits different than Easter?

When it comes to the idea of celebrating that the Savior is risen, the Bible holiday First Fruits is very similar to Christian intentions behind Easter. The difference is that while First Fruits is Biblical, Easter is manmade. They happen at similar times of year (sometimes the same day), but First Fruits does not involve Easter bunnies, egg hunts, or ham.

Is First Fruits the same as Unleavened Bread?

First Fruits is part of Unleavened Bread. While Unleavened Bread is weeklong holiday, First Fruits is one day during that. It happens the Sunday after the Sabbath during the week of Unleavened Bread. The stipulation of not eating leaven still applies during this time, and we still remember and celebrate the spiritual significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. We remember how God parted the Red Sea and lead his people to freedom, but on First Fruits especially we also remember and celebrate that the Messiah is no longer in the grave and he lives!

How to observe First Fruits:

First Fruits is a joyful day! Praise God for the resurrection of Jesus and have fun! 

Gatherings are not Scripturally required, but you could certainly arrange to get together with friends or attend a service at a congregation that celebrates this.

Note that First Fruits is not considered a Sabbath day, unless it happens to fall on the last day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 

What should I do to celebrate First Fruits?

-Read the Gospel stories of the empty tomb! This is truly the best part of the Good News - that the Messiah lives - and there's no better time to revisit that. Read Bible passages aloud, revisit the tale in children's books and movies, or do a dramatized version.

-Gather for a festive meal, if you want. Again, this is not a requirement but you certainly can make a special meal and invite loved ones to join in. On First Fruits, the Bible says not to eat leavened bread, so make foods without leaven. I'll link to a list of unleavened recipes at the end of this post to get you inspired.

-Spread the good news. First Fruits is a wonderful day for sharing the joy and love of God with others. Send notes of Scripture and encouragement to loved ones, volunteer for a service project, gather donations to give to those in need, and challenge yourself to be extra gracious and kind to everyone you encounter this day.

-Have fun! Even though Easter egg hunts are not appropriate for First Fruits, games can still be played, treats enjoyed, and prizes given. How about making an obstacle course for kids where they have to cross the "Red Sea" and "escape from Egypt"? There are plenty of empty tomb and crucifixion related kids crafts you could make. Put together a scavenger hunt. Make and enjoy matzah toffee or a Red Sea crossing smoothie bowl. 

Related posts:
How to Celebrate First Fruits
Meal Ideas for the Feast of Unleavened Bread
Kids Crafts for Passover and First Fruits
Red Sea Crossing Smoothie Bowls