Paul in Athens

Abstract

During his first European mission, Paul faced charges for allegedly practising magic at Philippi and, in Thessaloniki, for illegal gatherings and the refusal to recognize the Roman emperor. To avoid a possible conflict with the Roman authorities, he interrupted his mission and found refuge in Athens before his planned trip for Corinth. As usual, he established contact with the Jewish community but did not miss the opportunity to preach the gospel in the main square of the cultural center of the world at that time. Athens then looked like a large open–air museum filled with religious objects, i.e. idols, the sight of which caused Paul’s indignation. With his daily discussions at the agora, he also attracted the attention of citizens educated in philosophy. To some, however, the subjects he addressed seemed strange — because he spoke of Jesus and the resurrection. Therefore, having been reported, he had to justify himself before the Areopagus which was in charge of religious matters. Paul seized the opportunity to deliver a speech which was, in fact, the first Christian apologia before well–informed polytheists. The Areopagus Council found nothing controversial in it, so no charges were brought against him.