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Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) bt ch. 18 pars. 6-15.
6, 7. How did some Greek philosophers respond to Paul's message, and how do some people react to our message today?
The Greek philosophers mocked Paul and called him a charlatan, which was an insult. They basically accused him of being someone who picked up random ideas and did not know how to explain them well. They wanted to make him look ignorant, but Paul was not intimidated.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Even though they belittled him, Paul did not let their hurtful words affect him. Just as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:11,12, we must stand firm when others criticize us for speaking about God.
As Revelation 4:11 says, God deserves all the glory because He created all things for you. Even though some may mock our faith, we remain steadfast because we know that Jehovah is the creator.
As 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches us, God gives us courage and we should not be afraid when others criticize our beliefs, we must defend the truth of the Bible with conviction.
8. a) How did other people react to Paul's message?
Today, some people also mock Jehovah's Witnesses and say that they do not believe in the Bible. For example, some teachers claim that evolution is the only valid thing, and that anyone who does not accept it is ignorant, but we are not intimidated and continue to teach boldly that Jehovah is the creator of everything.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Acts 17:18 says they called him a charlatan, as if he were just picking up nonsensical ideas, this shows that they were judging Paul without taking the time to really understand his message. Even though they belittled him Paul did not let their hurtful words affect him. Just like Jesus taught in Matthew 5:11-12 we must stand firm when others criticize us for speaking about God.
As Revelation 4:11 says, God deserves all the glory because he created all things, even though some mock our faith, we remain firm because we know that Jehovah is the creator as 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches us. God gives us courage and we should not be afraid when others criticize our beliefs, we defend with conviction the truth of the Bible.
8. b) What can the word Areopagus refer to? (See the note on page 142).
The Areopagus was an important place in Athens where legal and religious matters were discussed. Paul had to defend his teachings there in front of people who did not know the scriptures as shown in Acts 17:19-20.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This context helps us understand that Paul was speaking to people who considered themselves intellectuals.
Just as Paul took advantage of this place to preach, we too can look for opportunities to talk about Jehovah, even in difficult situations, as 1 Corinthians 9:22 motivates us.
“Men of Athens, I perceive that…” (Acts 17:22, 23)
9-11. a) What did Paul say to establish a common point with his listeners?
Paul, instead of criticizing the Athenians for their idolatry, congratulated them for being very religious people. He told them that he had noticed an altar dedicated to an unknown god, and he used that to begin to speak to them about the true God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Acts 17:22,23, Paul mentioned that he saw them being devout, pointing to their altar to the unknown god. This teaches us to look for positive things in others to start a conversation.
Paul gives us an example of how to be kind and respectful, as Colossians 4:6 says, so that our words are always pleasant and reach the hearts of our listeners.
9-11. b) How can we imitate Paul in preaching?
We can tell if someone is religious by an object in their home or by what they are wearing. Instead of criticizing, we can say something positive like, “I see that you are interested in spiritual matters.” This helps us start the conversation respectfully and find common ground.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Just as Paul observed his audience, we can pay attention to what others value when starting a conversation about Jehovah, as shown in 1 Corinthians 10:33.
We can also remember that, as 2 Timothy 2:24-25 teaches, it is important to be patient and teach with gentleness to reach people's hearts.
God “is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:24-28)
12. How did Paul adapt to his audience?
Paul knew the Athenians were unfamiliar with the scriptures, so he explained biblical ideas without directly quoting the Bible, he related to them by using words like us, and he quoted Greek writers they respected to connect with them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Acts 17:28, Paul quoted Greek writers, showing that he knew their beliefs and used them to teach them the truth. This reminds us of Proverbs 15:2, which says that a wise man uses knowledge appropriately.
Paul tailored his preaching to his audience, as mentioned in One Corinthians 9:20-22. We too can adjust our approach to help others better understand the message of the Bible.
13. What did Paul say about the origin of the universe, and what did he make very clear?
Paul explained that God created the universe and is the lord of heaven and earth. He said that God does not need man-made temples or idols. He made it clear that Jehovah is superior to all the gods they worshipped.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Acts 17:24, Paul explained that God created the world and owns everything. This teaches us that Jehovah does not depend on temples or idols, as 1 Kings 8:27 says.
Psalm 146:6 reminds us that Jehovah is the creator of heaven, earth, and sea. Paul made it clear that the universe was not an accident, but the work of a wise and powerful God.
14. How did Paul show that God does not depend on anyone?
Paul said that God does not need anything from us. He does not need food, clothing, or offerings. On the contrary, it is God who gives us everything we need to live, such as air, life, and food.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Acts 17:25, it shows that God does not need us to give Him anything, because He is the one who gives us everything. This is in harmony with Genesis 2:7, which says that Jehovah gave us life and breath.
As James 1:17 says, every good thing comes from Jehovah. Paul used this argument to show that the true God is generous and self-sufficient.
15. How did Paul correct the Athenians' viewpoint, and what valuable lesson does his example teach us?
Paul explained to them that God made all humans from one man, Adam. This corrected their idea that the Greeks were better than other people. The lesson for us is that, although we must speak respectfully, we must never water down the truth just to get others to accept it.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Acts 17:26 Paul explained that God created all nations from his name, Adam. This teaches us that there are no superior races, as Deuteronomy 10:17 also says. Jehovah does not show favoritism.
Paul gives us an example of courage and tact. Although he touched on a sensitive subject, he did not soften the truth, as we are encouraged in Ephesians 4:15 to speak in love, but without abandoning the truth.
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