The Acts of the Apostles Acts 17 – Gospel Persuasion, Prejudice And Pride Sunday – June 10, 2018 Many of the slides used in this presentation are prepared by Joe Price and are used and adapted with his permission.
Athens: Ignorance City of Athens: Filled with learning and philosophy. QUESTIONS: What is the nature of the universe? What is the purpose of man? What is truth? How do you determine what is right and wrong?
The Unknown God Acts 17:23 Made the worlds. Genesis 1:1; Psalms 33:9 Not served by men’s hands. Psalms 115:4ff; 1 Kings 8:27; Isaiah 66:1-2; Psalms 50:9-13 Made of one every nation of men. Common origin. Genesis 1:26ff Determined their appointed seasons and the bounds of their habitation. Daniel 2:21 That they should seek God. Romans 1:18ff In Him we live and move and have our being. He is the sustainer for His creation.
The Times Of Ignorance Ignorance was man’s. Psalms 115; Isaiah 44 God did not ignore sin, but took initiative to redeem. Romans 5:8 God dealt with sin in previous ages. Hosea 4:6 What does it mean, God “overlooked” sin? God did not punish man with the full measure of his wrath. cf. Acts 14:16-17 God showed forbearance while executing His scheme of redemption. Evidence of God’s righteousness. Romans 3:25-26; cf. Galatians 4:4-5
Athens (Acts 17:16-34) Ridicule Pride
Ridicule in Athens: The Blindness of Pride Human wisdom and the Gospel, 17:16-21 Teacher is provoked within, Matthew 9:36; Jeremiah 20:9 The gospel and philosophy, Acts 17:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:21-25; Colossians 2:8 Idolatry and the gospel, 17:22-29 Gospel invitation, UNIVERSAL, 17:30-31 Reactions to the gospel, 17:32-34
Prejudicial Resistance Gospel Persuasion Prejudicial Resistance Readiness of Mind Prideful Ridicule Acts 17
God Commands Repentance Acts 17:30-31, “All men everywhere …” Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned …” Romans 4:15, “… where there is no law, neither is there transgression.” Therefore, all are under law!
REPENTANCE COMMANDED By John. Matthew 3:2 By Jesus. Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3,5 Great Commission. Luke 24:47 By Disciples. Mark 6:12 By Apostles. Acts 2:38; 11:18 1 1
REPENTANCE Is Not … Fear Confession Being sorry Simply a reformation of life Being aware of sin Prayer Coming forward Doing penance Remorse or regret “If I have …” 1 1