Dr. Pothana's Teaching

1. Detailed Study on The Book Of Acts
COACH Institute of Intercultural Studies
Hyderabad

3. Acts 17: 1-15
 Paul & his friends preach
in Thessalonica & Berea.
 Jewish opposition
chases Paul from each
of these cities.
 Paul is placed in Athens
to “hide out” for a while.

5. Acts 17:16
“While Paul was
waiting for [Silas and
Timothy] in Athens, he
was greatly distressed
[his spirit was stirred]
[was deeply grieved]
to see that the city
was full of idols.”
[swamped, a forest of]

6. Despite many factors:
- “untrained” speaker
- being “on vacation”
- constant persecution
- working alone
Paul chooses to obey
the Spirit’s leading and
proclaim the Gospel
in the city of Athens.

7. Acts 17: 17-21
 Paul preaches to
Jews, “God-Fearers”,
and the Athenians
 Called a “babbler”
 Athenians think he
is advocating 2 foreign
gods: Jesus Christ &
The Resurrection

8. Two Main “Schools” of Philosophy

9. Stoic &
Epicurean
Philosophies
remain alive
in today’s world,
along with
“fashionable”
Skepticism
& Cynicism.

10. The Grecian Empire was
the center of their cultural world.
They thought that the quest for
knowledge and a foundation of
democracy would be enough
to sustain their society’s future.

11. But without
sound morality
that was rooted
in The God
of the Bible…
their empire
failed, leaving all
future nations a
“cautionary tale.”

12. Acts
17: 22-31
Paul
Preaches
in the
Areopagus
(on Mars Hill)

13. Sermon Highlights:
1.) Paul uses his known info
about Athens to connect.
2.) Paul appeals to Nature,
not specifically Scripture.
3.) Paul says that the 1 True
“Living God” he serves is:
- The Creator of all People
- The Savior of all People
- The Judge of all People

14. Paul shares with the Athenians that,
unlike any of their “philosophies,”
this Living God has given proof of His
power, by resurrecting Jesus Christ.

15. From the time of Jesus’ Resurrection
onward… accepting the fact of Christ
rising from the dead is a huge obstacle
for many in accepting eternal salvation.

16. “To an
Unknown God”
God does not desire
to stay unknown
to anyone!
He has revealed
Himself in: Nature,
Our Conscience,
& in Jesus Christ

17. Acts 17: 32-34
3 Responses
to Paul’s Message:
1.) Active Rejection
2.) Passive Rejection
3.) Acceptance

18. “None But Jesus”
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
All my delight is in you Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
Forevermore