November 26

Acts 17; Acts 18:1-18 (biblegateway.com)

The Gospel Confronts Culture

After writing to the Galatian churches to defend the gospel of grace, Paul continues his missionary journey, preaching Christ throughout Macedonia and Greece. His message meets both eager belief and fierce opposition, yet the gospel continues to take root and spread.

Acts 17 records Paul’s ministry in three major cities, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, each revealing how the gospel engages different audiences. Acts 18:1–18 continues the story in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and wealth.

Acts 17 — The Gospel Confronts Idolatry and Invites True Worship

Paul continues his second missionary journey, traveling from city to city to proclaim the gospel. The chapter reveals how the message of Christ engages both religious and philosophical audiences, exposing idolatry and calling people everywhere to repent and worship the one true God.

Paul and Silas pass through Amphipolis and Apollonia and come to Thessalonica, where there is a synagogue of the Jews (v. 1). As was his custom, Paul goes in and for three Sabbaths reasons with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ” (v. 2–3). His message centers on the necessity of the cross and the certainty of the resurrection. Some are persuaded, including many devout Greeks and leading women, who join Paul and Silas (v. 4). The gospel takes root where hearts receive the truth.

But opposition arises. The Jews, moved with jealousy, gathered a mob and set the city in an uproar. They attack the house of Jason, where the missionaries are staying, dragging him and others before the city officials (v. 5–6). They accuse Paul and Silas of “turning the world upside down” and of proclaiming “another king, Jesus” (v. 7). The charge shows the political fear the gospel stirs: allegiance to Christ undermines worldly power. The city is disturbed, and Jason and the others are released after posting bond (v. 8–9). Even persecution advances God’s mission.

The brothers immediately send Paul and Silas by night to Berea, where they again enter the synagogue (v. 10). The Bereans receive the word with eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so (v. 11). Many of them believe, along with prominent Greek women and men (v. 12). Their noble character lies not in blind faith but in diligent study. Truth thrives where Scripture is tested with an open heart. Yet when the Jews from Thessalonica learn that Paul is preaching in Berea, they come there also, stirring up crowds (v. 13). The believers immediately send Paul away to the sea, while Silas and Timothy remain (v. 14). Those who escort Paul bring him to Athens and return with instructions for Silas and Timothy to come quickly (v. 15). Even opposition spreads the gospel farther.

While Paul waits in Athens, his spirit is provoked within him as he sees the city full of idols (v. 16). Surrounded by temples and statues, Paul is burdened by misplaced worship. He reasons in the synagogue with Jews and devout persons, and daily in the marketplace with those who happen to be there (v. 17). Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encounter him and mock, calling him a “babbler,” while others say, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities,” because he preaches Jesus and the resurrection (v. 18). Athens, a city proud of knowledge, now confronts truth incarnate.

They bring him to the Areopagus, asking, “May we know what this new teaching is?” (v. 19). Luke notes that the Athenians and foreigners spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new (v. 21). Intellectual curiosity replaces moral conviction. Into this culture, Paul delivers one of the most profound gospel addresses in Scripture.

Standing in the midst of the Areopagus, Paul begins, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious” (v. 22). He acknowledges their spirituality but redirects it. “As I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To the unknown god. What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (v. 23). He builds a bridge from their ignorance to revelation. God is not hidden; rather, He has made Himself known in Christ.

Paul declares that the God who made the world and everything in it is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by man (v. 24). He is not served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and everything (v. 25). From one man, God made every nation of mankind, determining their times and boundaries, that they should seek Him (v. 26–27). Though He is not far from each of us, many grope in darkness, unaware that He can be found. Paul quotes their poets: “In Him we live and move and have our being” and “We are indeed His offspring” (v. 28). He affirms their longing for transcendence but corrects their misunderstanding.

“Being then God’s offspring,” he continues, “we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by art and imagination of man” (v. 29). Idolatry reduces the Creator to creation. “The times of ignorance God has overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent” (v. 30). Divine patience gives way to a universal call to repentance, “because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, and of this He has given assurance by raising Him from the dead” (v. 31). The resurrection confirms both judgment and hope: Christ will return as the righteous Judge and reigning Lord.

When they hear of the resurrection of the dead, some mock, but others say, “We will hear you again about this” (v. 32). Paul leaves their midst, but a few join him and believe, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others (v. 33–34). Even in a city steeped in philosophy, God calls people to Himself.

Acts 17 reveals the gospel’s power to confront false worship and human pride with truth and grace. Whether among devout Jews, noble seekers, or skeptical philosophers, the message remains the same: God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, who died, rose, and will return. Faith comes not through intellectual mastery but through humble repentance and trust in the risen Lord. The same gospel that turns the world upside down in Thessalonica pierces hearts in Athens, proving that truth is not confined to culture but calls every soul to worship the one true God.

Acts 18:1–18 — Paul Ministers in Corinth and God Strengthens His Servant

After leaving Athens, Paul travels west and comes to Corinth, a major trade city known for wealth, immorality, and idolatry (v. 1). Corinth stands as one of the most influential cities of the Roman Empire, yet spiritually it is deeply corrupt, a fitting place for the transforming power of the gospel to take root.

There he finds a Jewish couple, Aquila and his wife Priscilla, who have recently come from Italy because Claudius has commanded all Jews to leave Rome (v. 2). They share Paul’s trade as tentmakers, and he stays with them, working by day and reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks (v. 3–4). Ministry and labor go hand in hand for Paul. He embodies the principle of humble service and diligent faithfulness.

When Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia, Paul devotes himself fully to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ (v. 5). His message is clear and bold, rooted in the fulfillment of Scripture. But when they oppose and revile him, Paul shakes out his garments and declares, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (v. 6). This symbolic act marks a turning point. Having faithfully proclaimed the truth, he entrusts the outcome to God.

Paul then moves next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God (v. 7). God’s providence opens doors even amid rejection. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believes in the Lord, along with his entire household, and many Corinthians hear, believe, and are baptized (v. 8). In a city steeped in sin, the gospel penetrates hearts. Grace multiplies even where resistance is strongest.

In a vision, the Lord speaks to Paul by night: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city” (v. 9–10). These words strengthen the weary apostle. The same Christ who called Paul to ministry stands beside him in the midst of fear. God’s assurance of presence and purpose sustains His servants when opposition mounts. Encouraged, Paul remains in Corinth a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them (v. 11). His longest recorded ministry up to this point bears lasting fruit; the Corinthian church is planted, later receiving the letters that will shape much of New Testament teaching.

When Gallio becomes proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rise up against Paul and bring him before the tribunal, accusing him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law (v. 12–13). Gallio is no minor official; he is a well-known Roman governor and the brother of Seneca, respected for his administrative fairness. Yet before Paul can speak, Gallio dismisses the case entirely, ruling that it concerns Jewish questions about words and names and their own law, not a matter of Roman justice (v. 14–15). His refusal to judge the case effectively treats Christianity as a permitted expression within Judaism, giving Paul legal protection for the rest of his ministry in this region. God uses an unbelieving magistrate to shield His servant and ensure the gospel continues to advance.

The crowd then turns on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, likely the one who led the charge against Paul, and beats him before the tribunal (v. 17). Their violence exposes the frustration and division within the opposition itself; when their case collapses, they take out their anger on their own leader. Gallio’s refusal to intervene reinforces Rome’s stance that this dispute is merely an internal Jewish matter, not a criminal offense, a ruling that indirectly protects the early church. The scene is deeply ironic: instead of Paul suffering harm, his accusers themselves experience the blow of hostility, fulfilling the Lord’s promise that no one would attack or injure him (v. 9–10). Even more striking, a man named Sosthenes later appears in 1 Corinthians 1:1 as a believer with Paul, suggesting that God may have used this very moment of humiliation and pain to draw him to Christ.

After this, Paul remains in Corinth many more days, then takes leave of the brothers and sets sail for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila (v. 18). His ministry in Corinth ends with a thriving church, new companions, and a renewed confidence in God’s faithfulness. What began in weakness and fear ends in triumph and endurance by grace.

Acts 18:1–18 shows how God works through ordinary labor, unexpected friendships, and even persecution to establish His church. Paul’s persistence demonstrates that success in ministry depends not on circumstances but on God’s calling and presence. In Corinth, a city full of sin and pride, Christ calls out a people for Himself. The same Lord who commands, “Do not be afraid,” still strengthens His servants today to speak the truth boldly, trust His promises, and persevere in the work of the gospel.

Conclusion

Acts 17; Acts 18:1–18 show the gospel’s power to speak into every culture and heart. Whether among the Jews searching the Scriptures, the philosophers of Athens, or the people of Corinth, the message remains the same: Jesus Christ crucified and risen. Paul’s ministry demonstrates courage, wisdom, and reliance on the Holy Spirit in every setting.

For believers today, these chapters remind us that the gospel is unchanging yet adaptable, speaking truth to every generation and culture. Like Paul, we are called to share it with clarity, humility, and conviction. We can be confident that God still opens hearts, strengthens His servants, and uses His Word to draw people to Himself. The same Lord who stood with Paul in Corinth stands with His church today, empowering us to proclaim His truth without fear.