Acts Chapter 17

Act 17

Paul Preaching at Thessalonica (in Asia minor) 

1 Moreover, they traveled through, Amphipolis (city surrounded by river in Macedonia) and Appolonia (the sun), coming unto Thessalonica (in Asia), where there is synagogue of the Jews.

2 And according to his custom, Paul enters towards them, and for over three Sabbaths, he discusses with them from the Holy writings.

3 opening through and presenting to them, that Christ must suffer, and be raised up out of the dead, and that, this Jesus is the Christ, whom we proclaim to you.

4 And some of them were persuaded, and at first, many devout Greeks and multitude of women, not a few associated with Paul and Silas.

5 So, the Jews become envious, and take market-place vendors and seek after certain evil men to raise a crowd, to stand upon them in the public (demos), and go before unto the house of Jason, to disturb the city. 

Persecution by Physical Attack in Thessalonica (in Asia minor) 

6 so, by not finding him, they drag Jason and certain brethren before the city-Ruler, shouting, even these men here present, have upset the inhabited world.

7 whom Jason entertained at home; and these men practises all things against Caesar's decree, saying there is another king: Jesus.

8 having stirred up the crowd, the city-Ruler heard these things,

9 and competent (security) men take hold of Jason from them and dismiss the remaining ones.

Paul and Silas escape and Preach in Berea (Macedonia coastline)

10. on account of which some let go away from the Jews. So, the Brethren immediately dispatch Paul and Silas unto Berea (beyond coastline of Macedonia) by night and approach unto the synagogue.

11 but, these ones are of noble birth (well born) than those in Thessalonica (in Asia), some of who accepted all the words with readiness by the day, and examine it according to the Holy Writings, if they should hold on to these things in this way.

12 Therefore, many indeed from them have Faith (unto Christ), not a few Grecians prominent women and men.

Jewish Messenger of satan (the thorn in the flesh) still pursue the messengers of Christ (the men on white horse Rev 6:2)

13 However, as those Jews from Thessalonica know, that even in Berea, the word of God is proclaimed by Paul, they came there also, stirring up and troubling the crowd.

Only Paul escape to Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy behind in Thessalonica

14 but, at this time, the brethren immediately send him away on a mission, to depart as far as over the sea; but, Silas and Timothy stay behind there.

15 So, those designated, bring Paul unto Athens (Greece capital-goddess of wisdom); and take injunction unto Silas and Timothy, at least as quickly as possible, they should escape and come towards him.

Smart Paul, preaching alone in densely idolatrous city of Athen (In Greece). 

16 Moreover, in Athens, (while) waiting for them, Paul, saw the city to be densely idolatrous, and by the SPIRIT, he was stirred up in him,

17 therefore, he indeed discuss with those worshiping in the Jew's synagogue, and , with respect to the days, in the market place, and towards all who he chanced to meet with;

18 even with the certain Philosophers (fond of wise things), he conversed with certain Epicureans and Stoics. And some say, what possibly would this babbler wants to say? Some also thinks, he is a proclaimer of a foreign demon, for he is proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the Resurrection.

19 in addition, they lay hold on him, and bring him upon the Hill of Ares (Areo-pagus - hill of Areios- war deity), and they ask, can we know what is this New-age/mordern teaching, being preached by you?

20 for, you are bringing certain strange things into our hearing. Therefore, we are willing to know, what determine this thing.

21 however, all the Athenians and the strangers dwelling there, have a good time on nothing other than telling something or listening to something modern/of new-age.

22 So, Paul stands in the middle of AreoPagus (Are's hill), and make his thoughts known: fellow Athenian men, I look at you, as though, with respect to all things, you are more religious/demon-reverenced people 

23 for (as) I walk through and looking again at objects you adored, I find even an altar on which it is inscribed, to an UNKNOWN GOD, whom therefore you are ignorant of and show piety to (worship). This is the One, I will proclaim to you.

24 This God made the world and all things in it. The Supreme Lord, WHO possesses the heaven and the earth, does not dwell in hand-made shrines,

25 not even requiring anything additional to be menially served by the hands of men. The same GOD gives zoe-LIFE to everybody, and Breath to all things;

26 in addition, HE made out of ONE (Adam), all of human beings dwelling in Nations and pre-determined boundaries of their residence (habitation) upon the face of the earth and at the set-time HE ordered/enjoined everybody...

27.... to seek after ONE sub-Ruler of God; if doubtless, you would find Him by groping around for Him, nevertheless, ara (a heartfelt call lifted to heaven), He is not far away from each of us;

28 for, in Him, we will be stirred/re-jigged (kineo) and we will live on. And as someone said according to your poets; for we are even of a kindred/lineage/stock.

29 therefore, being of a kindred/lineage/race of divine FATHERHOOD (UNCLE), you must not suppose that, the sub-Ruler of God, is similar in appearance to sculpted figures of golden articles, or silver, or stone, (which are) art-work from imagination/thoughts of men. 

30 therefore, having seen too much of the space of time of ignorance, God indeed has commanded all men universally to repent now.

31 according to which the Fellow-Man will stand on a day, in which the inhabitable world will be judged in future and in Whom Justification is pre-destined, and all who exhibit Faith unto Him shall resurrect out of the dead.

32 howbeit, having heard of resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked, and some also say, we will listen to you again concerning this.

33 and Paul likewise get out of their midst.

34 however, some fellow-men have Faith and join him, among who are Dionysius (bacchus) the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris (gentle), and others together with them.